OPINION: This article contain commentary which do not reflects the author’s opinion.

BREAKING: Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich shreds Donald Trump for his disastrous tantrum with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and provides the perfect antidote for the emotional hangover we’re all feeling.

This is a must read if you’re feeling hopeless right now…

“If you were shocked and disgusted by the scene in the Oval Office yesterday, with Trump and Vance belittling and berating President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, you’re not alone,” Reich wrote on his Facebook page. “Fourteen Democratic governors have released a joint statement condemning what occurred:

“‘Donald Trump and JD Vance used the sacred Oval Office to berate President Zelensky for not trusting Vladimir Putin’s word. Americans must protect our strong democratic values on the world stage instead of undermining President Zelenskyy’s work to fight for his nation and the freedom of his people after being invaded by Russia.'”

“They speak for much of America.”

They certainly speak for us here at Occupy Democrats. Yesterday was nothing short of a historic low point for the United States of America and our nation’s once proud reputation on the global stage.

However, it’s deeply reassuring to hear that so many Americans are feeling the same way right now.

“For more than three years, President Zelenskyy has courageously and nobly contained Putin’s aggression,” Reich continued. “Zelenskyy has maintained the morale of the people of Ukraine while diligently soliciting and getting help from Europe and the United States. He has waged a war that few assumed he could win, but he has not flinched.”

“He deserves our heartfelt thanks rather than the cruel rebuke delivered today by Trump and Vance,” said Reich.

This part is particularly relevant now as reports have begun to merge that Trump is demanding a public apology from Zelenskyy before he will resume talks. The ones who deserve an apology are Zelenskyy himself and the brave people of Ukraine.

“Why did they hammer him?” Reich went on. “Because they don’t want Americans to view Zelenskyy as a hero. That view will complicate Trump’s plan to surrender Ukraine to Putin. Trump is ready to give Putin everything he wants. And then carve up the world.”

“Make no mistake: Putin’s aggression will not end with Ukraine,” he continued. “By giving in to Putin, Trump is inviting him to invade Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland — and then the rest of Eastern Europe that used to be under Soviet and Russian control.”

“Trump wants Canada, Greenland, Panama, and much else,” Reich wrote, drawing a direct parallel between Putin’s aggression and Trump’s own imperialist ambitions.

“Yesterday’s meeting in the Oval Office was a stage show. It will also be remembered by future historians (to the extent they have access to the truth) as a prelude to conquest,” stated Reich. “Trump believes only in power — which in his mind means complete and utter control. Putin does, too. The two dictators deserve each other.”

“The rest of us must make it clear — to our fellow Americans, as to the remainder of the free world — that we believe in democracy, that we appreciate Zelenskyy’s courage and tenacity, and that Trump and Vance do not speak for us,” he went on.

And indeed they do not. Now is not the time to give up hope. Now is the time to double down on our democratic principles, stand up, and fight back.

MAGA might be one of the darkest political moments in American history, but it is not our future.