President Trump has always had a way with words—some bold, some baffling, some just plain brash. And his recent comments about Russia and Iran hit all three of those categories. But once you brush past the colorful language, there’s actually something worth examining here. Trump is walking a tightrope—part peace broker, part strongman—and the way he balances these roles could shape U.S. foreign policy for years to come.

So, let’s break down what he said, what it might mean, and what it says about where we’re headed as a nation.

Putin, Zelenskyy, and a War that Just Won’t End

In one of the more eyebrow-raising moments, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” at Vladimir Putin for criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s credibility. For a guy often accused of being too cozy with Putin, that was a surprising twist.

But here’s the thing—we should be glad Trump pushed back, even if it was more of a slap on the wrist than a full rebuke.

Let’s be clear: Zelenskyy is the legitimately elected leader of Ukraine. Yes, his administration has had its share of issues—crackdowns on opposition media, restrictions on churches, and other troubling decisions—but he’s not a dictator, and it’s absurd to parrot that line, as some in the “alt-right” media ecosystem love to do. Even Trump made the absurd claim before seemingly walking it back.

While some of his supporters have gotten starry-eyed over Russian propaganda, Trump’s comments show he still recognizes that undermining Ukrainian sovereignty plays right into the hands of authoritarians. That’s a relief.

But words are only worth so much—what really matters is what Trump does next.

Tariffs and Tough Talk: Will Trump Walk the Walk?

Trump’s proposed secondary tariffs on Russian oil are a big deal. If enacted, they’d effectively punish any country buying oil from Russia by locking them out of U.S. markets. That’s a move straight from the economic warfare playbook—and it’s one that could hit countries like China, Turkey, and India right in the wallet.

Would it be effective? Possibly. Would it be risky? Definitely. But in a world where traditional diplomacy has mostly stalled, it’s at least a new tactic on the table.

The United States already banned Russian oil imports under President Biden, and those numbers have dropped to virtually nothing. But Russia’s still making money—lots of it—by selling to other countries. Cutting off their access to global markets could squeeze the Kremlin in ways sanctions haven’t.

The big question is whether Trump will actually follow through.

Iran, Terror, and the Bomb: A Clear and Present Danger

Now, let’s talk about the threat from Russia’s ally: Iran.

Trump didn’t mince words here. He warned that if Iran doesn’t make a deal to halt its nuclear ambitions, there would be “bombing the likes of which they have never seen.” That’s heavy language. But unfortunately, the situation may warrant it.

Iran isn’t just a bad actor—they’re the ringleader of an entire network of terror. They fund and direct groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. They’ve attacked allies, disrupted global trade, and inflamed conflicts across the Middle East. And they’ve made it abundantly clear that they’d love nothing more than to wipe Israel off the map.

We cannot allow a regime like that to develop nuclear weapons. Period. Trump’s hardline stance here is necessary. It’s not warmongering—it’s called deterrence.

Final Thoughts: Bold Talk, Real Consequences

It’s easy to mock Trump for his bluster and bombast. It’s harder to admit when he might actually be right.

Do I agree with everything he says? No. Do I trust every one of his instincts? Definitely not. But am I cautiously optimistic that his tough talk on Russia and Iran could yield results? Yes.

There’s a path forward here—if Trump can balance strength with wisdom, pressure with diplomacy, and rhetoric with restraint. That’s a tall order. But sometimes, it’s the flawed leaders who surprise us the most.

Our job, as citizens and as believers, is to pray for our leaders and to hold them accountable to truth, justice, and righteousness.

As 1 Timothy 2:1-2 reminds us: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

May God grant our leaders wisdom, courage, and humility. And may we, the people, be discerning enough to know when to cheer—and when to challenge—them.

God bless, and let’s keep our eyes on both heaven and history.