Let you be the President of the United States: Trump gives the White House key to Zelenskyy
Photos of the gifts arranged by the White House have been exposed.
In the pictures, there are at least seven sets of pen boxes with the White House seal and Trump's signature, which are generally interpreted as standard memorabilia given to European leaders.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential office confirmed that during this meeting in Alaska, Trump gave Zelenskyy a White House key as part of a separate meeting between the US and Ukrainian leaders.
This key is a delicate symbolic item that cannot open any door but represents the official symbol of the White House.
Zelenskyy, on the other hand, gave a golf club, whose original owner was a Ukrainian soldier who lost his right leg on the battlefield.
The gifts both sides gave seem to have symbolic significance, but in fact, they are a form of mutual satire.
Zelenskyy's message is, "You like golf, don't you? Look, our Ukrainians have had their legs amputated, so they can't even play. If you love it, take it and play it well." There is clearly a sarcastic tone here.
Trump's side is much the same.
On the surface, the White House key has always represented welcome, acceptance, and respect. Some other world leaders have also received White House keys as gifts, but the meanings differ.
In the context of this summit, it is more like a symbolic authorization with a sarcastic undertone.
Zelenskyy still refuses to make concessions when facing Putin's demands, nor does he offer new negotiation space, but insists on his existing position.
Trump has always disliked Zelenskyy's defiant attitude, so he wants to discipline him a bit.
Therefore, giving him a White House key is a political sarcasm. Its message is not that the doors of the White House are open to you, but rather, "If you think you're better, you do it."
If you don't agree with my plan, you come, I'll give you the key, you come and be the President of the United States.
Trump once publicly told dissenters at a press conference: "If you know better, you do it."
The underlying message of this key is the same logic: if Zelenskyy thinks Trump's approach to the Ukraine war is inappropriate, try it yourself and see if you can handle Putin.
In the gifts given to Putin, Trump chose a white eagle desktop sculpture - symbolizing the national bird and power of the United States.
This is a typical gift of mutual goodwill. Although not luxurious, it carries significant political meaning. Adding a peace letter written by First Lady Melania to Putin further shows Trump's positive gesture towards Russia.
In contrast, European leaders only received a set of pen boxes. They didn't even reach the level of symbolism, just a standard way of getting by, which clearly separates the hierarchy into three or six levels.
From this perspective, although Zelenskyy was satirized, he is still better off than the European leaders who received only a stationery set.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840957830958234/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.