DAVID STEWART: Has the Doomsday clock moved closer to midnight?

Just arrived back in Scotland from a two-week trip to California to visit son Andrew and new granddaughter Kiana. It was my first trip to the United States since the inauguration of President Trump. California tends towards a left of centre, bohemian, Democrat-supporting axis, although in the past Republicans Ronald Regan and Arnold Schwarzenneger were both elected State Governor.

Defeated Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris hails from the “golden state” and when I was over there last week there was strong media speculation that she would be the Democrat nominee for State Governor. If successful, this could provide another platform for Harris to run for the next presidential elections on November 7, 2028.

However, I am getting ahead of myself – what has been the effect of the Trump presidency thus far? In his first term, Trump was a divisive force within America and beyond. This term has been no different. Vox magazine in the States described his tenure as “full of sound and fury”.

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It is important to distinguish between the transitory issues of the day and the long-term serious and significant policy changes.

Trump’s policy on defence, particularly NATO and Ukraine, will have profound global consequences.

The public humiliation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by Trump and Vice-President Vance was a disgraceful public performance.

This was followed up by a US suspension of military aid to Ukraine, which is facing an existential war to survive against a relentless Russian war machine.

As I write, ceasefire talks are being held between the US and Russia, but Ukraine is the ghost at the feast. It is hard to envisage a ceasefire that would involve Russia giving up Ukrainian territory, such as the Crimea.

The consequences of Trump turning his back on Ukraine are that European NATO countries are re-evaluating their defence policies. The UK has already committed to spending 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2027, which equates to £6 billion a year of extra investment. However, Trump’s ambivalent remarks about NATO’s Article 5 - which states that members will come to the defense of an ally under attack – has sent shockwaves across Europe, and may result in an immediate reprioritisation on defence spending and general aid to Ukraine.

One unintended consequence may well be more nuclear proliferation. The Prime Minister of Poland said last week that, because of Trump’s actions, his country might have to “reach for opportunities related to nuclear weapons”.

Will a Trump presidency lead to peace between Ukraine and Russia – or has the Doomsday clock moved a minute closer to midnight?

Elsewhere, I am off to watch Caley Thistle play Annan Athletic tomorrow. I am so proud of manager Scott Kellacher and his talented young team, who have refused to take administration and the points deduction lying down.

For the team to survive and avoid relegation would be no mean feat. The atmosphere at the stadium has improved phenomenally over the last few months and the Supporters Trust deserve a large pat on the back for their commitment and dedication.

Hopefully, next month will bring news of a new owner. I do not suppose that Scotland and Bournemouth star, Ryan Christie, would be interested in being the new boss?

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