President Joe Biden, amidst growing concerns over domestic issues, is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Normandy, France, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Seriously, folks? Another international trip when America needs attention right here at home?
While in Normandy, Biden will sit down with Zelensky to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how the U.S. can ramp up its support. Speaking from Air Force One, Sullivan emphasized this engagement as an opportunity to reinforce U.S. backing for Ukraine. Now, isn’t it interesting how Biden finds time for international issues, but when it comes to pressing matters within our borders, there seems to be a disconnect?
Biden and Zelensky’s meeting coincides with the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This historic event, marking the largest seaborne invasion in history, is being remembered as Europe faces its first large-scale ground war since 1945 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While it’s crucial to remember the past, Biden is using this event as a photo-op rather than focusing on the present needs of American citizens.
Other world leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will also attend the anniversary. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin is notably absent from the guest list, as reported by a French presidential source. One can’t help but wonder if this omission is more symbolic than strategic.
Sullivan revealed that Biden will have another meeting with Zelensky at the upcoming G7 summit in Italy. “In just over a week, the president will engage substantively with President Zelensky twice,” Sullivan stated. Meanwhile, our borders remain unsecured, and inflation squeezes the American middle class.
The last face-to-face meeting between Biden and Zelensky occurred in December 2023 in Washington, D.C., where Zelensky pleaded for military and economic aid. Following months of Capitol Hill gridlock, Biden finally signed a bill in April, providing over $60 billion in assistance to Ukraine. However, the delay left Ukraine vulnerable to Russia’s aggressive offensive in the Kharkiv region. The real question is, why was there a delay in the first place? And why are American taxpayers footing the bill for another country’s war?
Sullivan mentioned upcoming announcements of “substantial capability” support for Ukraine, though he clarified that the U.S. will not deploy military personnel there. Reports suggest France might send military instructors to Ukraine, but the U.S. remains firm on training Ukrainian soldiers in Germany instead. “We’ve set up a substantial training infrastructure in Germany, training thousands of Ukrainian soldiers on Western-made equipment,” Sullivan explained. Why not focus on strengthening our military capabilities and ensuring national security first?
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s efforts to rally European support for utilizing Russian overseas assets to aid Ukraine were also highlighted. Sullivan noted that securing additional assistance for Ukraine would be a significant agenda item during Biden’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Normandy. Again, should the administration prioritize American economic recovery only after seeking more international entanglements?
Biden is expected to deliver a speech at Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers famously scaled 100-foot cliffs during World War II. Sullivan previewed that Biden’s remarks would frame the D-Day battle as an “existential fight between dictatorship and freedom” and emphasize the dangers of isolationism. While these are poignant reflections, they appear tone-deaf when juxtaposed with America’s current struggles.
The national security adviser also mentioned that Biden would draw parallels from World War II through the Cold War to today’s European conflict, highlighting NATO’s role in defending freedom and sovereignty.
Biden’s trip to Normandy and his meetings with Zelensky seem like a solid diplomatic move on the surface. However, it raises serious questions about his priorities. While Ukraine’s struggle is undoubtedly significant, shouldn’t the President of the United States focus more on the issues at home? After all, charity begins at home, and so should presidential attention.
