Max Bergmann, director of the Stuart Center at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has criticized President Donald Trump’s approach to international relations, arguing that it is diminishing the United States’ global influence. During an interview with CNN’s Sara Sidner on Thursday, Bergmann expressed concerns about Trump’s recent actions, particularly his reported mineral deal with Ukraine.
Bergmann dismissed the deal as largely symbolic and not a substantial agreement. ‘Frankly, I don’t think it means very much,’ he said. ‘It’s essentially a deal on paper. The minerals in question haven’t even been extracted yet, and building the necessary mines in Ukraine could take over a decade.’ Bergmann explained that Ukraine had offered this deal to entice continued military support from Trump’s administration, but it failed to achieve its intended effect.
Bergmann predicted that the U.S. would increasingly withdraw from involvement in the conflict, leaving Europe to take on a more prominent role. ‘We’re making ourselves fairly irrelevant in the conflict,’ he said. ‘Once we stop providing military aid and economic assistance, our leverage over Ukraine diminishes.’ Bergmann emphasized Europe’s capacity to step up, noting that European nations have both the resources and the motivation to ensure Ukraine continues fighting.
Bergmann’s comments highlight concerns about the U.S.’s diminishing role in global affairs under Trump. As the administration scales back its international commitments, other powers like Europe are expected to fill the void, potentially altering the geopolitical landscape significantly.