Allies for Rent: The Price of American Loyalty

In today’s geopolitical landscape, the United States may not be for sale, but it’s clearly available for rent—its loyalties shifting with the highest bidder or most convenient narrative, as seen in its increasingly transactional approach to foreign alliances. Former President Trump’s cozy relationship with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu soured the moment Saudi billions entered the picture, with the Palestinians’ statehood suddenly becoming part of the deal and Jerusalem dropped from the itinerary. Ukraine’s Zelensky, meanwhile, handed over rare earth minerals in hopes of tougher U.S. resistance to Putin, only to watch Trump float the idea that he alone—alongside the Russian leader—can end the war, sidelining Ukraine’s own agency. With allies like these, the message is clear: America’s commitments come with an expiration date and a price tag.