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played the 'wingman.'
James stated the commander-in-chief had
She also waded into the argument between Vance and Zelensky, saying that he had acted "like the grain of sand that irritates the oyster to produce a pearl".
In animal terms, it would be suitable for a wingman to get involved in a verbal confrontation, but not the alpha, who cannot be replaced or appear to lose.
James continued: 'So Trump took a great risk when he listened to the two men arguing and ultimately decided to step into the fray himself.'
Vance then prompted "total disengagement" signals from Zelensky, who she described as having "relentless energy".
Describing Trump's eventual intervention, James said:
It was richly ironic to see him portray himself as a global peacekeeper, yet he ended up engaging in a physical altercation after attempting to mediate a minor verbal dispute.
Trump's go-to gesture was the raised index finger, a symbol of ultimate authority that usually commands attention and compliance. However, in this instance, it failed to quell the argument, with both Trump and Zelensky escalating their voices in a cacophony of shouting.
'Trump exclaimed that Zelensky was "gambling with WW3". His face turned red with anger, and a look of incredulity crossed his face.
When he accused Zelensky of being "disrespectful", his facial expression pinched into a tiny scowl of anger.
The exit looked very much like actors taking their final bow. Ex-TV personality Trump winked at the audience, implying that everything was fine, while ex-TV personality Zelensky gave a thumbs up, indicating that all was well.
Vance strolled over and patted his boss on the back, seemingly attempting to demonstrate his victory in the contest.
The heated argument was unprecedented in its intensity and was broadcast live on television globally.
Zelensky managed to hold his ground, even displaying photos he had brought of the destruction in his country to Trump, and pointing out that he had expressed gratitude to the American people.
She buried her face in her hands.
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On a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: 'It’s astonishing what emerges through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not prepared for peace if the US is involved.
'Because he believes our participation provides him a significant advantage in the negotiations. I don’t want an advantage, I want PEACE.
'The person disrespected the United States in its revered Oval Office. He can return when he is prepared for peace.'
After the cameras were no longer in the Oval Office, Zelensky went to a holding room in the West Wing. He and Trump did not meet again.
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He was asked directly by Bret Baier if he owed Trump an apology, and twice evaded the question before refusing and instead tried to be polite, saying "I'm not sure we did something bad."
'The bipartisan support has been invaluable to us from the very start. You've been instrumental in our survival, and we consider you a strategic partner.'
When questioned further, he declined once more and attempted to clarify his stance.
"We have to be truthful and transparent with one another. No one wants to achieve more than we do, since we are in this war, in this struggle for the freedom of our existence.'
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"He'd like to see President Trump take a more supportive stance," he said when Baier asked if it was acceptable for Trump to be 'in the middle' of negotiations.
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