Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again at the center of global geopolitics, reshaping the course of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. In a 21 February speech in the European Parliament, Economist Jeffrey Sachs, a longtime critic of American foreign policy, has argued that Trump’s return could bring major shifts—ending the war in Ukraine and challenging the long-standing U.S. approach to Israel’s regional ambitions. However, Sachs warns that behind these changes lies a deeper strategy, particularly regarding Israel’s long-term plans for Palestinian territories and its broader geopolitical objectives.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Shift: Ending the Ukraine War
According to Sachs, Trump’s stance on Ukraine is primarily driven by pragmatism rather than ideology. The war in Ukraine, a direct result of U.S. efforts to expand NATO eastward, has been costly and strategically unsuccessful. Unlike the Biden administration, which has aggressively backed Ukraine with military aid and economic sanctions against Russia, Trump sees the conflict as a losing battle.
Sachs argues that Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy makes him more likely to seek a negotiated settlement with Russia rather than prolong a costly proxy war. While some European leaders view this as abandonment, Sachs believes it presents an opportunity for Europe to reclaim its sovereignty in foreign policy. He warns that the U.S. has historically used Europe as a pawn in its geopolitical chess game, and Trump’s withdrawal from certain commitments could actually force Europe to develop its own diplomatic and security strategies.
Israel’s Long-Term Vision: A U.S.-Backed Expansion
While Trump’s potential disengagement from Ukraine marks a shift in one region, his unwavering support for Israel signals continuity in another. Sachs highlights that Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been one of mutual benefit. Netanyahu’s long-term goal has been the expansion of Israeli control over Palestinian territories, particularly the West Bank and, more recently, Gaza.
Trump’s controversial suggestion that the U.S. should “own” Gaza by turning it into a military-controlled zone, as well as his endorsement of continued Israeli settlement expansion, aligns with Netanyahu’s broader plan to prevent the formation of a viable Palestinian state. Sachs points out that Netanyahu has long sought to manipulate U.S. foreign policy to serve Israel’s interests, particularly by encouraging American military action against Iran and supporting regime change operations in the Middle East.
Sachs’ Warning: America’s Role in Israel’s Wars
Sachs is one of the few prominent voices openly criticizing how Israel has shaped U.S. policy for decades. He argues that Netanyahu and his allies in Washington have successfully pushed for wars that serve Israeli interests, including the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and ongoing efforts to undermine Iran. Sachs recently went viral for calling Netanyahu a “deep, dark son of a bitch” in a video shared by Trump, accusing him of dragging America into endless conflicts.
Sachs also highlights how U.S. military aid to Israel has remained a priority, regardless of which party controls the White House. The recent $3 billion arms deal to Israel, which bypassed congressional oversight, exemplifies how deeply entrenched the military-industrial complex is in Washington. Despite global calls for restraint, the U.S. continues to supply Israel with advanced weaponry, ensuring that its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank can continue unchecked.
Europe’s Dilemma: Breaking Free from U.S. Influence
For Sachs, the biggest challenge facing Europe is its inability to establish an independent foreign policy. Throughout the Ukraine war, European leaders have followed Washington’s lead, often at the expense of their own economic and security interests. Now, with the possibility of Trump returning to office, Europe faces an uncertain future.
If Trump ends the war in Ukraine, Sachs argues that Europe must be prepared to engage directly with Russia and reassess its defense strategy. At the same time, Europe must also reconsider its stance on Israel. Unlike the U.S., which has consistently vetoed UN resolutions supporting Palestinian statehood, Europe has the power to push for a two-state solution. Sachs urges European leaders to stop blindly supporting U.S. policies and instead advocate for diplomatic solutions that align with their own regional stability interests.
Conclusion
Trump’s return to the political stage is poised to disrupt global power structures. While his withdrawal from the Ukraine conflict may pave the way for peace, his unwavering support for Israel’s territorial ambitions could escalate tensions in the Middle East. Sachs’ warning is clear: the U.S. has long prioritized its own imperial strategies over genuine diplomacy, and without a course correction, the world will continue to be shaped by war and geopolitical manipulation. For Europe, this moment presents a crucial opportunity—to either break free from American influence or remain a secondary player in the next chapter of global conflicts.
