In high-stakes diplomacy, the presence of a “third person in the room” can dramatically alter the dynamics of a meeting. This concept—often associated with individuals who amplify tension, enforce narratives, or create chaos—was on full display during a recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and U.S. Senator JD Vance. The transcript of their exchange reveals a clash of egos, strategies, and priorities, culminating in Trump’s revealing remark that the meeting would make for “great television.” This statement, while seemingly offhand, encapsulates Trump’s approach to leadership and diplomacy, where spectacle often overshadows substance.
The Third Person in the Room: JD Vance’s Role
In this meeting, JD Vance played the role of the “third person in the room,” a figure who amplifies tension and enforces the agenda of the primary actor—in this case, Donald Trump. Vance’s interjections were confrontational and often dismissive of Zelenskyy’s perspective. For example:
- Vance repeatedly insisted that Zelenskyy hadn’t thanked the U.S. or Trump enough, even after Zelenskyy expressed gratitude multiple times.
- Vance accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the U.S. and Trump by “litigating” the issue in front of the American media.
- Vance challenged Ukraine’s military conscription practices, questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility and authority.
Vance’s role was not to facilitate dialogue or bridge differences but to reinforce Trump’s narrative and apply pressure on Zelenskyy. This created a chaotic and adversarial atmosphere, making it difficult for Zelenskyy to articulate his position or negotiate effectively. Vance’s behaviour exemplifies how a third person can disrupt diplomacy, turning a meeting into a high-stakes power struggle.
Trump’s Tactics: Gratitude, Dominance, and Spectacle
Donald Trump’s approach to the meeting was consistent with his broader leadership style, which prioritizes personal loyalty, public displays of gratitude, and the projection of dominance. Key elements of his tactics included:
- Demanding Gratitude: Trump repeatedly emphasized the need for Zelenskyy to thank him and the U.S., framing the relationship as transactional rather than strategic. This focus on gratitude overshadowed substantive discussions about Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
- Asserting Dominance: Trump reminded Zelenskyy that Ukraine was in a weak position and dependent on U.S. support. He framed himself as the ultimate deal-maker, suggesting that Ukraine’s survival hinged on his willingness to intervene.
- Creating Spectacle: Trump’s closing remark—“This is going to be great television. I will say that.”—reveals his obsession with media coverage and public perception. By treating the meeting as a performance, Trump prioritized drama and spectacle over meaningful diplomacy.
Trump’s tactics reflect his transactional view of leadership, where relationships are based on personal loyalty and public displays of deference rather than shared values or strategic interests.
Zelenskyy’s Resilience: Standing His Ground
Despite the pressure from Trump and Vance, Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his ground throughout the meeting. He:
- Corrected Mischaracterizations: Zelenskyy pushed back against Trump and Vance’s claims, such as the timeline of Russia’s aggression (starting in 2014, not 2022) and Ukraine’s repeated efforts to negotiate with Putin.
- Defended Ukraine’s Sovereignty: Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine had been fighting alone for years and rejected the idea that it was entirely dependent on the U.S.
- Sought Guarantees: Zelenskyy insisted that any ceasefire must come with guarantees, reflecting his concern that Russia cannot be trusted to uphold agreements.
Zelenskyy’s resilience in the face of Trump and Vance’s pressure demonstrates his commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and his frustration with the dismissive and transactional tone of the discussion.
“Great Television”: What Trump’s Remark Reveals
Trump’s closing comment—“This is going to be great television. I will say that.”—is a telling moment that encapsulates his approach to leadership and diplomacy. It reveals:
- A Reality TV Mentality: Trump views politics and diplomacy as a form of entertainment, where drama, conflict, and memorable soundbites are prioritized over substance.
- A Focus on Self-Promotion: By framing the meeting as “great television,” Trump positions himself as the star of the show, reinforcing his own (mis)perception as a dominant and decisive leader.
- A Disregard for Diplomacy: Trump’s remark seriously trivializes the gravity of the issues at hand, reducing a serious diplomatic discussion to a spectacle that can be reduced to television-sized soundbites.
This approach has significant implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations and global diplomacy more broadly. By prioritizing spectacle over substance, Trump undermines trust, erodes norms, and risks alienating allies.
US Diplomacy Reduced to Spectacle
The meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Vance illustrates how the presence of a “third person in the room” can disrupt diplomacy and create chaos. Vance’s confrontational interjections amplified tension, while Trump’s focus on gratitude, dominance, and spectacle overshadowed substantive discussions. Zelenskyy’s resilience in the face of this pressure highlights the challenges of engaging with a leader who prioritizes performance over partnership.
Ultimately, Trump’s reductive remark about “great television” reveals a leader who views diplomacy as a form of entertainment, where the goal is not to solve problems or build relationships but to generate attention and reinforce his own image. This approach may make for compelling viewing, but it comes at the cost of meaningful progress and trust on the global stage. As the world grapples with complex challenges, the need for serious, substantive diplomacy has never been greater—and the spectacle-driven approach of leaders like Trump only serves to undermine it.
Additional Resources
- Transcript from AP News.
- Attempt at American Show of Diplomacy Ends in Trump / Vance Sandbox-Worthy Meltdowns – PocketNews (includes video of the interaction)
