Trump and Vance’s attack on Zelenskyy was the antithesis of Christian values

Europe gasped in collective horror last week as the American president and vice-president berated Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his “lack of gratitude” for their support in defending Ukraine against three years of Russian invasion.

In the US, some vocally supported Trump and Vance. Europe seems very distant to many ordinary Americans and, as Zelenskyy pointed out, there is a “nice ocean” between us. Others felt that the pair were tearing US diplomacy to shreds and diminishing their country in the eyes of the rest of the world.

Perhaps this was a deliberate ploy to force Europe to step up its collective defence spending. Trump is right that European nations have, for many years, relied on US support. In that, it has undoubtedly been effective, although an increase in UK defence spending had already been announced, funded by a cut to international aid.

Regardless of the political implications, what we witnessed on Friday was the public attempt, by two of the world’s most powerful men, to belittle another world leader.

Character matters

As Christians, we are clear about the importance of character in politics. My American friend, Michael Wear, is right when he says that what matters most to God is not our reputations, positions or achievements, but the kind of people we are becoming. Leadership carries responsibilities of service, stewardship and significant influence over others.

How we behave towards one another – particularly those who have less power than us - is a reflection of who we are. Should we demand more gratitude for our benevolence? Should we hector, interrupt and cut them off from responding to our jibes?

 “This will make great television”, chuckled Trump - which tells us more than he may want us to know

Sadly, this sort of incivility is increasing on both sides of the Atlantic. The exchange in the Oval Office was another outworking of the culture wars. But the behaviour of powerful men in public further normalises it. It makes tribalism, the abuse of power and the dehumanisation of opponents appear acceptable.

Anti-Christian values

The values on display last week are the antithesis of Christian values. And although I am highlighting behaviour on the political right, let’s be clear that those on the left can be equally culpable.

Firstly, those values respect strength and despise weakness. They demand respect but do not reciprocate it. The narrative of Zelenskyy coming to the White House, refusing to wear a suit and ‘disrespecting’ the American people has taken hold in certain circles.

We witnessed two of the world’s most powerful men belittle another world leader

Secondly, these values display no compassion or understanding towards those in different circumstances. This leads to people talking past one another. Trump is seeking to make a deal. Zelenskyy is seeking the security and safety of his people, to ensure the very survival of his country.

And finally, these values are compelled by a desire to be performative, seek media exposure, clicks and likes. “This will make great television”, chuckled Trump at the end - which I suspect tells us more than he may want us to know.

These are all important reasons why we, as Christians, should resist waging the culture wars in our hearts, in our congregations or on our social media. We should also be tenacious in our pursuit of truth, and deeply suspicious when people deny the obvious truth that the Ukraine war was unequivocally and unjustifiably started by Putin.

Making peace

Many Christians in America supported Trump in the election, seeing it as a transaction: Trump was not a Christian but was nevertheless a man they could do business with. My brotherly exhortation to them now is to hold Trump to account for his side of that bargain. Where, last week, was there any sign of Trump practising or respecting the values of the many Christians who put him in office?

John Stott said that peacemaking is a divine activity. God has made peace with us and between us through Christ, and therefore we should also engage in peacemaking. However, in the face of conflict, he said we should neither be indifferent nor pessimistic but set an example of what a community of peace should look like. We are commanded to pray for our leaders so that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2) and live reconciled to one another as a signpost towards God’s kingdom.

As discussions about Ukraine’s future continue, let’s be praying for a restoration of civility and good diplomacy, for political stability, mutual support and respectful relationships among our leaders at this precarious time. And let’s be bold as we approach God and pray that he would deliver peace and justice for Ukraine.