Ukraine, Neo-Idealism, and the Post-Trump Era

Three key takeaways from my conversation with Mary Trump

Earlier this week, I had an in-depth conversation with Mary Trump about The Folly of Realism, the dangerous trajectory of Trump’s second term, and the broader battle for democracy at home and abroad.

We covered a lot of ground, from the historical failures of U.S. policy toward Ukraine to why values—not transactionalism—must guide our foreign policy. Below are three key takeaways, along with clips from our discussion. The full recording is available now only for paid subscribers.

1. Trump’s Unpopular Policies Will Lead to a Backlash

Trump’s second term has already been defined by chaotic policymaking, attempts to centralize power, and policies that actively harm working Americans. From economic mismanagement to reckless foreign policy moves, his administration is alienating voters—including many who supported him in the past. Historically, administrations that impose unpopular policies suffer electoral consequences, and I predict that we’ll see a strong backlash in 2026 and 2028.

2. The U.S. Has Repeatedly Failed Ukraine—It’s Time to Get It Right

For decades, the U.S. has followed a Russia First approach that has consistently undermined Ukraine. From the early 1990s through the current Trump administration, Washington prioritized short-term stability with Russia over the long-term security of its allies. This failure led directly to Putin’s war in Ukraine. If we don’t learn from these mistakes, we will continue to empower authoritarian regimes at the expense of democracy.

3. Foreign Policy Must Be Values-Based, Not Just Transactional

One of the core arguments of The Folly of Realism is that U.S. foreign policy has been undermined by short-term transactionalism. Leaders who prioritize immediate “deals” over long-term alliances end up weakening America’s global position. We must shift to a values-based approach—one that prioritizes democracy, strong alliances, and the credibility that comes with standing by our commitments.

This was a conversation worth having, and I encourage you to watch the full recording in my paid subscriber post here. If you’re not yet a paid subscriber, now is the perfect time to join—you’ll get exclusive content and deeper analysis on the most pressing issues of our time.