A sensational new book titled 'Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump' has brought to light internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Written by prominent New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, the book claims that US Vice President JD Vance suggested the deployment of Indian or Saudi Arabian troops as a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, while this suggestion was reportedly met with a dismissive laugh from President Donald Trump, who expressed skepticism about India's willingness to participate in such an international military endeavor. The book highlights the complex geopolitical considerations that were being weighed in the Oval Office during the early days of the administration.
The Oval Office Meeting and the Peace Proposal
The book details a high-level meeting held in the Oval Office just 10 days after the presidential inauguration. During this session, President Trump and his top advisors were briefed by Retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, who had been appointed as the Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, while kellogg presented a strategic proposal titled 'An America First Plan: Trump’s Historic Peace Deal for Russia-Ukraine War'. The plan outlined a framework where the United States wouldn't formally recognize Russian claims over occupied Ukrainian territories, but it included a significant concession: Ukraine wouldn't attempt to regain those lost lands through the use of military force. It was within this context that the discussion turned toward the deployment of a non-NATO peacekeeping force to maintain stability in the region, as the war had already been ongoing for more than 4 years with numerous failed peace attempts.
JD Vance's Suggestion and Trump's Reaction
During the deliberations, Vice President JD Vance reportedly questioned whether troops from other nations could be brought in to fulfill the peacekeeping role. He specifically suggested inviting soldiers from Saudi Arabia or India to join the mission. According to the book, Trump smiled at the suggestion and remarked, "Trump smiled and said—the Indians won't do it. " This reaction highlighted Trump's perception of India's foreign policy and its historical reluctance to engage in such international military interventions.
Tensions Over Trade and Tariffs
The book also delves into the administration's stance on international trade, particularly focusing on India's tariff policies. In a separate chapter, it describes a meeting of the Technology CEO Council held on March 10 in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. , Qualcomm, and Intel. The discussion took place shortly after a period of friction between billionaire businessman Elon Musk, who was serving as a 'Special Government Employee', and various cabinet secretaries. During this meeting, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asked the executives what would be required to encourage them to build new factories within the United States.
Trump's Critique of Indian Import Duties
In response to the discussion on domestic manufacturing, Trump once again brought up the issue of tariffs, specifically targeting India. He claimed that India imposes duties as high as 175 percent on American goods. Trump emphasized his 'America First' trade policy, stating that those who don't manufacture their products within the US would face heavy tariffs. He was quoted as saying, "Those who don't make things here will have to pay a big tariff. Not 20 percent, but 100 percent. We're treated very unfairly. " These revelations provide a glimpse into the complex dynamics of the Trump administration's approach to both global security and international economic relations, especially concerning its key partners like India and China.