Trump vs. Zelenskyy: Key Takeaways from Their Vatican Meeting Amid Declining Popularity in the U.S.

Donald Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday, accompanied by his wife, Melania. Leaders from over 150 nations were also present. Before the ceremony, Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since their tense meeting in February.

The meeting occurred in St. Peter’s Basilica. They had a brief discussion, which was followed by Trump’s social media post addressing Russian aggression. He remarked that there was “no reason for Putin to attack civilians,” suggesting a need for a different approach to dealing with the Russian leader.

Outside the basilica, Zelenskyy received cheers from the crowd, highlighting his support among the public. Inside, Trump listened to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s homily, which touched on themes of migration and compassion. Re emphasized, “Build bridges, not walls,” a nod to past criticisms Trump faced about his policies.

Afterward, Trump flew back on Air Force One to face new polls indicating he is struggling with public approval. Recent surveys show many Americans, including some Republicans, view his presidency as “scary.” According to the Associated Press-Norc Center, the response revealed a significant lack of confidence in Trump’s leadership.

The meeting with Zelenskyy was framed as a significant moment. Zelenskyy later described it as “symbolic,” expressing hope for effective results from their discussions.

This meeting and its fallout underscore the polarized political landscape in the U.S. and beyond. In recent weeks, a variety of political stories have emerged, including:

• Internal Turmoil: A leak investigation within Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s staff has led to the firing of several aides amidst claims of harsh internal conflicts.
• Controversial Deportations: Reports have surfaced about the deportation of a two-year-old U.S. citizen without adequate due process, raising alarms about the administration’s strict immigration policies.
• Judicial Tensions: The arrest of Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan led to call-outs from Republicans and Democrats alike, showcasing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary.
• Pardons Under Scrutiny: A Nevada newspaper criticized Trump’s recent pardon of a Republican councilwoman convicted of fraud, questioning the integrity of the presidential pardon system.

The current political climate is charged, and as events unfold, public reaction remains pivotal. For more insights on Trump’s presidency and immigration issues, you can check the AP-Norc Center report on public sentiment.

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