Putin, Zelensky among world leaders wishing US happy 4th of July on its 250th birthday
This story raises questions about governance, accountability, and American values.
Nothing says “happy birthday” like Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky both sliding into America’s mentions. The 250th anniversary greetings were polite enough, but nobody was really just sending a card. Nearly every message came with a little tag-on request, a nudge about aid, trade, security guarantees, tariffs, sanctions, you name it.
New Republican Times Editorial Board
Leaders from around the globe sent American their best – often including a plug for their own policies or needs from the world's most powerful nation.
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New Republican Times Editorial Board
Nothing says “happy birthday” like Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky both sliding into America’s mentions. The 250th anniversary greetings were polite enough, but nobody was really just sending a card. Nearly every message came with a little tag-on request, a nudge about aid, trade, security guarantees, tariffs, sanctions, you name it. That is how the world talks to Washington now: compliments first, invoice second.
We should take the flattery for what it is. The United States is still the big lever, and everyone wants a turn pulling it. Zelensky’s warm words are inseparable from his need for weapons and money. Putin’s, from his desire to look normal while he wages a brutal war and waits out Western attention spans.
So here’s the American answer: thanks for the well wishes, but don’t confuse our generosity with an open tab. If the world is going to treat our birthday like a lobbying opportunity, we should treat their requests the same way, case by case, with America’s interests up front.
Commentary written with AI assistance by the New Republican Times Editorial Board.