In the aftermath of a tumultuous meeting in the Oval Office on February 28, 2025, the monumental ineptitude displayed by former President Donald Trump raises serious concerns about his predictions regarding World War III. The encounter, originally framed as an attempt to solidify a minerals deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, quickly devolved into a public spectacle of egos and bluster. Trump’s insistence that he could prevent a global conflict stands in stark contrast to his own reckless diplomacy, characterized by public chastisement and an expulsion of a leader from a previously allied nation.

For those who entertain the notion that Trump’s approach could somehow stave off impending conflict, the reality of that Oval Office debacle serves as a sobering reminder of the incompetence at play. To ridicule the belief that he can facilitate peace is not only justified but necessary, especially considering the ramifications of his tantrums. It is unfathomable to think that public outbursts, most suited to a reality show, could yield any productive diplomatic outcome. Instead, Zelenskyy would be far better served collaborating with the European Union, leveraging local resources to address the ongoing crisis, given the alarming disrespect shown to him.

Moreover, to assert that the potential for World War III hinges solely on Trump’s ability to negotiate is to willfully ignore the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly the aggressive maneuvers of China in the Indo-Pacific. The contention surrounding China’s actions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, highlights a much more immediate threat — one that has often been overshadowed by Trump’s bombastic rhetoric. The assertion that diplomacy can flourish while violations of sovereignty and human rights occur with impunity is a dangerous delusion. Indeed, it is easy for states to feign ignorance over maritime confrontations, yet those involved in such incidents, like the captain of a fishing vessel, certainly know the truth. Are these ships’ fates dictated by bribery, coercion, or something far more sinister? The winds of conflict are shifting, and it seems many are failing to notice.

Trump’s latest diatribe, which places blame for rising tensions squarely on Biden and Zelenskyy, is a disingenuous attempt to deflect attention from his own failures. His proclamation that the two leaders are the architects of potential conflict is almost comedic in its irony, especially as Trump himself steps back from the electoral arena, distancing himself from the repercussions of policy. Yet, amid his finger-pointing, he provides little in terms of actionable plans for peace or strategies to avert a world at war.

To vilify Zelenskyy in the way that Trump has done is reminiscent of blaming a victim — suggesting that any participation in hazardous diplomacy subjects one to the fallout of conflict. The parallels with accusations leveled against survivors of societal violence are troubling; blaming Ukraine for the war and its consequences is deeply flawed logic. The historical narrative supports Ukraine as a state beleaguered by aggression, not as an aggressor itself.

As discussions of a potential World War III loom larger on the horizon, it becomes increasingly clear that Trump’s rhetoric will not avert such a catastrophe. To expect him to deliver on promises of peace while indulging in volatile public displays is naive at best. Trump may posture as a peacekeeper, but his behavior suggests a willingness to ignite further divisions rather than heal them. As history has shown, a world engulfed in conflict often stems from loud warnings unheeded, and the embers of discord are already smoldering. One cannot reasonably expect that tossing blame around will quench the flames of impending war.

Sources:

  • Williams, Daniel. “Can Donald Trump Stave off World War III?” Asia Times, November 15, 2024.
  • Toth, Mark, and Jonathan Sweet. “World War III is Now Trump’s to Lose.” The Hill, November 21, 2024.
  • “World War III is Not So Far Away: Donald Trump Claims His Leadership Would Prevent It.” Times of India, February 21, 2025.
  • “Donald Trump Says ‘World War III Not Far Away.’” NDTV, February 21, 2025.
  • “Donald Trump Warns ‘World War III is Looming,’ Vows to End ‘Stupid, Never-Ending Wars.’” The Economic Times, February 21, 2025.
  • Neely, Samantha. “TikTok’s CEO, Saudi Wealth Fund Manager May See Trump at Florida Tech Summit. What We Know.” USA Today Network – Florida, February 21, 2025.
  • McArthur, Tom, and Jaroslav Lukiv. “Trump Accuses Zelensky of ‘Gambling with World War Three.'” BBC News, February 28, 2025.
  • “SUNDAY SHOWS: Trump Administration Fighting for America First.” The White House, March 2, 2025.