Trump’s unforgivable legacy in Ukraine 

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary of declared independence this year, citizens turn their thoughts to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and … Benedict Arnold? 

Arnold, an ambitious young military officer in the Continental Army, won military victories for America that no one else had achieved, through his sheer tenacity and audacity to win — very much like President Trump’s assertive policies in his first term. But also like Trump, Arnold’s self-aggrandizement did not win the universal praise he craved. Others, whom he considered less worthy, received the recognition and honors he felt he alone deserved.

For Arnold, it was military promotions and rising career assignments; for Trump, it was perhaps the Nobel Peace Prize and re-election.

Both men became increasingly embittered on major national security issues against their own country and ultimately supported some of America’s major adversaries. Trump had been an admirer of strong, nondemocratic leaders even before suffering those perceived slights. Arnold became the new country’s first accused traitor, though he was never formally charged before he fled to England. 

Trump has openly blamed Ukraine for starting and continuing the war that Russia started and continues. 

Ukraine is a fellow democracy, an aspiring NATO ally already effectively defending NATO territory against further Russian aggression, and a loyal friend of the U.S. Yet Trump constantly disparages........

© The Hill