A letter to the POTUS

Dear President Trump, I’m writing about a title I think should be yours: Leader of the Free World. The idea that there is such a thing as a Free World has become unfashionable, but I think it’s worth restoring, and perhaps you do, too. Nations free of dictators’ jackboots should be aligned and led by the American president. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first U.S. president to apply the phrase to the nations fighting the Axis. During the Cold War, the term referred to those siding with America against the Soviet bloc. It meant allies followed Washington’s lead and adversaries hesitated. Others have been eager to claim the title. In 2010, Joe Biden, overly enthusiastic about the European Union, said Brussels had a “legitimate claim” to be the “capital of the free world.” And in 2015, Time magazine crowned Angela Merkel “Chancellor of the Free World.” As you know, that same year she opened Germany’s doors to more than 1.2 million mostly non-European immigrants and deepened her country’s dependence on cheap Russian gas. My point is that right now, the title, Leader of the Free World, is yours to claim or forfeit. Vladimir Putin is hoping you forfeit it. For nearly five years, he’s been waging a war against the Ukrainians, who have fought and bled to remain within the Free World they look to you to lead. Ukrainians are not asking for American boots on the ground, only that you support their defense of their independence, families, and freedom. And Mr. President, you were doing that – providing weapons paid for by NATO members and the intelligence needed to intercept Russian missiles. Over recent weeks, however, that has changed. On Oct. 9, you struck a diesel deal with Putin. I know you want lower prices for American farmers, ranchers and truckers. But Russia’s autumn harvest ends this month. After that Putin will have plenty of diesel to sell, with the proceeds funding his war machine. So Putin gets a financial lifeline, and you get nothing he wouldn’t have given anyway. On fuel prices, you have a stronger story to tell: Democrats have been closing American refineries, calling that “climate action,” and Joe Biden vowed in 2019 that “we’re going to end fossil fuels.” Overnight on Oct. 13-14, Ukraine’s access to Starshield was throttled, hampering its ability to intercept Russia’s jet-powered Shahed drones, which are descended from Iranian designs. Reports later suggested the limits had been eased, but on Monday Volodymyr Zelensky said speeds had not been restored to normal. On Oct. 16, you waived nearly every Russia provision of the law you signed last month, named for your friend, Sen. Lindsey Graham, who championed Ukrainian freedom until his untimely death. You proposed an “energy ceasefire,” an excellent idea which the Ukrainians said they would honor if Russia did. But Putin continued to launch hundreds of missile and drones against his neighbor’s civilian energy infrastructure aiming to deprive Ukrainians of heat, light, and water as winter approaches. Mr. President, I’ve been studying Russia for more than half a century, first as an exchange student, then as a journalist, and over recent years as a think tank denizen. It’s clear to me that Putin will not settle for just a slice of Ukraine. His realm already spans 11 time zones, from Kaliningrad to the Bering Strait across from Alaska. His goal is to restore the Russian Empire, which is why the leaders of such formerly captive but now free nations as Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are fortifying their borders. Also intolerable to Putin: a Slavic nation on his doorstep that is pro-American and democratic. That might give ideas to those he rules. You’ve spoken out about the violence that has erupted in France and the danger of Europeans surrendering to an Islamist-leftist alliance. Ukrainians, by contrast, are defending their nation, culture, and civilization. Doesn’t that deserve your support? Meanwhile, Putin is in an axis with the Islamists in Tehran and the communists in Beijing and Pyongyang. These regimes are cooperating militarily, economically, and diplomatically. All want to diminish American power and put the very idea of a Free World on the ash heap of history. So here is what I’d ask of you: Make sure all Starshield speed limits on Ukraine are lifted and say so publicly. Rescind the waivers on the Graham sanctions law. Keep the intelligence and NATO-funded weapons flowing. Beyond restoring your earlier and commendable policies, here are three ways to go further, from my think tank colleague, retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery: Pressure Greece to transfer its older, expiring Patriot interceptors to Ukraine to help prevent Russian missiles from hitting their intended victims. Direct the Air Force to upgrade Ukrainian F-16s to fire ERAM missiles that can hit the launch sites and airfields behind the drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Direct the Pentagon to allow Ukraine access to Starlink satellites over Russian territory for the purpose of defensive operations. These moves would show allies that standing with us pays – and adversaries, that testing us brings costs. That’s consistent with America First and necessary if you’re to make America great again. Putin consistently ignores requests that come without teeth. Frustrating his imperialist ambitions will not make him love peace, but it might make him agree to a ceasefire – which I know you’d prefer over years of continuing carnage. Should you decide to be the president who restores American leadership of the Free World, that will be central to your legacy, alongside your courageous efforts to permanently prevent the jihadis in Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. If you want more of my free advice, Mr. President, you know where to find me. Your friend, Cliff Clifford D. May is founder and president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a columnist for The Washington Times, and host of the “Foreign Podicy” podcast.