Commentary by Stephen Macaulay

From “Remarks by President Trump Before Cabinet Meeting” February 26, 2025:

• “The previous administration put us in a very bad position, but we’ve been able to make a deal where we’re going to get our money back and we’re going to get a lot of money in the future.” [On Ukraine]
• “And I think that, very importantly, we’re going to be able to make a deal.” [On Ukraine and Russia]
• “Most importantly, by far, we’re going to make a deal with Russia and Ukraine to stop killing people.”
• “So, the deal we’re making gets us — it brings us great wealth.” [On an agreement with Ukraine]
• “And we’ll be able to make a deal.  And again, President Zelenskyy is coming to sign the deal.  And it’s a great thing.  It’s a great deal for Ukraine, too, because they get us over there, and we’re going to be working over there.”
• “Now, when COVID came in, that was a different deal.” [On China]
• “When I got elected, we spoke, and I think we’re going to have a deal.  I can’t guarantee you that.  You know, a deal is a deal.  Lots of crazy things happen in deals, right?  But I think we’re going to have a deal.” [On Putin]
• “It’s making the deal that’s very tough.” [His assessment of what is more difficult: peacekeeping in Ukraine or that.]
• “No, I want to see if we make a deal first.” [On whether there might be sanctions on Russia regarding Ukraine.]
• “We’re going to do the best we can to make the best deal we can for both sides.  But for Ukraine, we’re going to try very hard to make a good deal so that they can get as much back as possible.”

On the cover of The Art of the Deal, originally published in 1989, there is a picture of a 43-year-old Donald Trump. The credit line reads: “Donald J. Trump with Tony Schwartz.” Schwartz has claimed he is the person who put the words down on paper. 

That, of course, is disputed by Trump.

But that doesn’t much matter because Trump “owns” the word “deal.”

Back in that period of time there was a commercial for a vocabulary-building instructional program, Verbal Advantage, that included the phrase, “People judge you by the words you use.”

Which makes me wonder about Trump’s use of the word “deal.”

Historically we would hear government officials talk about “agreements,” “understandings,” “accords,” “pacts” or the like.

But not Trump. For him it is about “deals.”

As he fancies himself the preeminent dealmaker — after all, he wrote the book on it, didn’t he? — implicit in his use of the word is that the other guy is going to get the raw deal.

This is in no way something that is in any way mutually beneficial. Screwing the other guy is just fine: clearly the other person isn’t as good a dealmaker.

While some might argue that this is just a case of not using euphemisms, that no matter what you call it, a deal is a deal, it seems as though there’s a lot of fast talk and little substance. 

You can imagine Vladimir Putin breaking just the slightest of smiles when he hears Trump talk about making deals while he is playing four-dimensional chess. Sure the deal may be made by Trump, but it is what happens afterwards that matters.

Consider Trump’s talk about putting tariffs on our allies unless they make a deal with him about trade. As there are not conditions that would call for a deal, for them it is probably not about making a deal but of deflecting, to the extent they can, the negative effects on their economies. But in the long term, what is the position of these countries vis-à-vis the US?

Most recently, Trump told Volodymyr Zelensky that he needs to make a deal with Russia. 

When a reporter asked Trump what would happen if the Russians broke the ceasefire agreement — a.k.a., “the deal” — Trump blustered a response that included everything from the possibility of a bomb falling on the reporter’s head to Hunter Biden’s laptop, even including Hillary Clinton. He had no answer.

Yes, Trump holds, as he put it “the cards” as the US has sent money and resources in the defense of Ukraine.

Clearly, helping keep a democracy free is not a good deal so far as Trump is concerned.

And if it is all and only about dealmaking, then the world is going to be a sadder place for everyone. 

Macaulay is pundit-at-large for The Hustings, self-identifying as a Never-Trumper conservative, who mostly writes for the right column. His comments here appear opposite our pro-MAGA conservative right contributor.

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY 3/1-2/25

Commentary by Rich Corbett

On Friday, the Oval Office hosted a fiery showdown that laid bare the stakes of America’s role in the Ukraine-Russia war. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and what unfolded was a blunt, no-nonsense exchange that reaffirmed a core truth: the United States must prioritize its own interests and demand accountability from those it supports. The discussion, which erupted into a shouting match, showcased Trump and Vance’s resolve to steer US foreign policy toward pragmatism over endless handouts — a stance that’s long overdue.

The crux of America’s position came through loud and clear: After pouring billions into Ukraine’s fight against Russia, the US has every right to expect gratitude and cooperation. Trump, raising his voice, drove this home, telling Zelenskyy, “You’re not really in a good position right now,” and urging him to “make a deal or we’re out.” Vance echoed this, calling out Zelenskyy’s public pushback as “disrespectful” in the Oval Office, especially given America’s sacrifices. They’re not wrong. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the US has funneled over $174 billion in aid to Ukraine — more than any other nation — while American taxpayers foot the bill. A simple “thank you” isn’t too much to ask.

Zelenskyy’s response — questioning Vance’s diplomatic vision and pointing to Russia’s broken promises — missed the point. Trump and Vance aren’t here to relitigate Putin’s track record; they’re focused on ending a war that’s drained US resources and risked broader escalation. Trump’s insistence that Zelenskyy is “gambling with World War III” reflects a sobering reality: Ukraine’s stubbornness could drag America into a conflict it doesn’t want. The president’s push for a negotiated peace isn’t weakness — it’s strength, a refusal to let Ukraine dictate terms while leaning on US support. Vance nailed it when he said diplomacy, not chest-thumping, is the path to peace — a sharp break from the Biden era’s posturing that got us nowhere.

From the US perspective, this isn’t about abandoning an ally; it’s about results. Trump made it clear: “If we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it will be pretty.” That’s not a threat — it’s a fact. Ukraine’s manpower shortages and battlefield losses show it can’t win without America, yet Zelenskyy balked at the idea of compromise. The US has leverage — military aid, economic support, and global clout — and it’s time to use it. Trump’s vision of a minerals deal with Ukraine, tying aid to tangible returns like rare-earth resources, is a smart play. Why should America keep giving without getting something back?

The Oval Office clash laid bare Zelenskyy’s miscalculation. He walked into America’s house, challenged its leaders in front of cameras, and expected unwavering support to continue. Trump and Vance rightly pushed back, reminding him that our generosity isn’t a blank check. “Have you said, ‘thank you’ once?” Vance asked — a fair question after years of American blood and treasure spent on Ukraine’s behalf. This isn’t about ego; it’s about respect for the nation that’s kept Ukraine afloat.

America’s stance today is a return to putting its own interests first. Trump and Vance aren’t caving to Putin — they’re forcing Zelenskyy to face reality and negotiate from a position of strength backed by US might. The United States has carried the load long enough; it’s time for Ukraine to step up or step aside. As Trump said, “We’re trying to solve a problem.” That’s leadership — unapologetic, practical, and American to the core.

Corbett is writer and publisher of My Desultory Blog.

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY 3/1-2/25

Commentary by Ken Zino

It’s not surprising that tech companies have endorsed Trump since it is in their direct interest to cozy up to power. They are pursuing an anti-regulatory strategy because monitoring and correcting the blatant lies – or let’s call it the myriad unrealities that festoon their money-making platforms is an extremely difficult, perilous and expensive task. 

It’s one thing to rate which college coeds are hot; it’s quite another to be the platform fronting propaganda, lies and disruptive ploys from hostile foreign powers who are actively subverting democracies so that they can rule the world without interference from the country that was founded by forcefully rejecting the Divine Right of Kings to rule by whim their subjects. This includes our allies in peace loving countries that Trump is trashing while siding with and promulgating Russian propaganda right down to a UN resolution that Putin could have written because it is in his interest to thwart democracies. 

However, lost in the electronic forest inhabited by these new age Robber Barons is the reality that Americans hate chaos. Americans right down to FDR’s dog Falla used to hate war. We stood for winning and maintain peace. Republicans embracing warring nations? Republicans pardoning violent criminals who attacked, hurt and killed law enforcement officers?

Then there are the businesses that will get clobbered by the impending tariffs. This includes auto companies and suppliers, who will pass on the highly inflationary costs – particularly companies that operate in Mexico and Canada. Trump – ever disconnected from reality and arguably the foremost perpetrator of the Big Lie theory employed by totalitarian governments – says the agreement he negotiated and signed, the USMCA from his first term, is a bad deal. It’s not the art of deal in play here. It’s the art of the steal. The American people own the post office that is now under a hostile Trump takeover.

Looking at the dropping popularity ratings of Trump and his minions, and the growing numbers of protests at elected representatives’ offices, we are reaching a Tipping Point. Actually, let’s calling it the Tip O’Neill point. All politics is local. It’s not the worldwide web. It’s the growing realization – buyer’s remorse? – that a reflexive anti-government posture is a diversion from what the man behind the screen of outrageous postures is doing. The mid-term elections loom.

Zino is publisher of AutoInformed.

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WEDNESDAY 2/26/25

Commentary by Rich Corbett

For President Trump, having tech and media companies less combative with him in 2025 gives his administration a smoother path to push the MAGA agenda, quite unlike 2017. Both Meta and Google are leaning on Trump to fend off the European Union; Elon Musk has the president's ear and Jeff Bezos is hopeful for deregulation. Having these powerhouses amplifying rather than obstructing GOP priorities gives Trump 2.0 a strategic edge to deliver on promises and gives Republicans leverage in both policy and public perception.

Do cooperative postures by tech and media companies help Trump 2.0? The relationship between tech and media companies and the Trump administration has evolved significantly from 2017 to 2025. In 2017, the tech sector, including giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft was largely oppositional to Trump’s policies, particularly criticizing initiatives like the travel ban due to its impact on workforce diversity and global operations. However, by 2025, there’s been a notable realignment:

•Meta’s Strategic Shift: Meta has actively sought President Trump’s assistance to counter EU regulatory measures, highlighting a strategic alignment with the administration to protect its international interests.

•Elon Musk’s Influence: Musk has taken on a role as a senior advisor to Trump, influencing policy from within, albeit without a formal government title, raising discussions on the extent of his influence.

•Content Moderation Policy: An executive order from Trump titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship” has pushed companies to adjust their content moderation practices, reflecting a move away from previous regulatory approaches.

•FCC’s DEI Scrutiny: The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, is investigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, leading media companies to rethink or scale back these initiatives to align with the administration’s stance.

•Jeff Bezos and The Washington Post: Jeff Bezos, owner of both Amazon and The Washington Post, has publicly expressed optimism about Trump’s second term, particularly regarding deregulation. The Washington Post, under Bezos’s ownership, faced backlash for not endorsing a presidential candidate in 2024, which some interpreted as an attempt to curry favor with Trump. This decision, alongside Bezos’s comments on supporting Trump’s regulatory agenda, marks a significant departure from the media’s previously adversarial stance, showcasing a more collaborative approach to navigate the political landscape.

This evolution from opposition to a more cooperative posture by 2025 reflects tech and media companies’ pragmatic adaptation to the prevailing regulatory environment, aiming to safeguard their interests under Trump’s administration.

Corbett writes and publishes My Desultory Blog.

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WEDNESDAY 2/26/25

Contributing Pundit Comments on ‘The Rhetoric of Ridiculousness’:

Let us not forget that Obama was criticized for wearing a beige suit. Try to write absurdism these days? Hard to go beyond ‘condoms for Hamas.’

--Kate McLeod

Via Substack

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Comments from Both Sides ... are welcome. In fact, that’s what The Hustings is about: Reporting/analyzing and putting into context the facts in the center column (with no false equivalencies) and surrounding this with civil pundit and reader comments in this column and that one on the other side of the news/news aggregate. 

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Contributors for our right column include Pundit-at-Large Stephen Macaulay, a never-Trumper conservative, and Rich Corbett, a pro-MAGA conservative. Macaulay’s comments may align much more often with left-column contributors like Sharon Lintner and Hugh Hansen, but that’s what The Hustings is all about and it is why we ask you to list your political leanings in the subject line for comments via email. We want to post your comments in the column with which you regularly identify; not necessarily the column that aligns with your comments on a single, particular subject. So help us grow into a news & commentary site that exposes readers to a variety of political thoughts and ideas. 

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MONDAY 2/24/25

Commentary by Stephen Macaulay

In a presentation to a bipartisan group of governors at the White House last Friday, February 21, Donald Trump said so many absurd things that it is hard to fathom that anyone anywhere can take him at all seriously.

He opened his remarks by saying, “Well, we’re in a very good mood. We just had the highest poll numbers I’ve ever had, ever. And actually, a record for a Republican.”

So here are poll numbers available on that day: 

• FiveThirtyEight average: 48.7% approval, 46.2% disapproval
• CNN poll: 46% approval, 52% disapproval
• Quinnipiac University poll: 46% approval, 43% disapproval
• YouGov poll (February 10-13): 49% favorable, 48% unfavorable
• Morning Consult poll (February 9-11): 46% favorable, 53% unfavorable
• Ipsos poll (February 9-11): 46% favorable, 52% unfavorable
• Economist/YouGov poll (February 7-9): 47% favorable, 50% unfavorable

He must have some other numbers or he feels good about numbers that anyone else would consider to be mediocre-to-horrible.

Then he rolled into things including his feeling of victimization.

In late 2024 Tropical Storm Helene devastated large areas of North Carolina. FEMA has provided an array of assistance, including distributing millions of dollars to families for housing, inspecting housing, coordinating the removal of debris, and more.

Trump: “FEMA was a disaster. FEMA wasn’t there. They didn’t do the job.”

Guess he didn’t check the numbers before the presentation.

But here he goes:

“And then they actually, when they did get there, a very small group, they chose anybody with an American flag or the name Trump on the front of the house, they would sort of skip that house very nicely and it was just a disaster.”

Of course. Trump voters — and he carried the state with more than 50% of the vote — were bypassed.

His alternative to addressing a national disaster?

“It’s called ‘you fix it.’ You take care of it yourselves. You don’t have to call some faraway state and have people planed in from areas they have no idea. They come from Alaska to help you in Florida. They say, ‘boy, this is hot here.’ But the time they figure it out, everything would have been fixed.”

Things have been laid waste and somehow the people who are existing in debris are going to pick themselves by their bootstraps and fix it?

Isn’t one of the benefits of living in a country like the US that there are people from other parts of the country who can help?

What is his real beef?

“It’s very expensive You spend at least twice as much. They don’t negotiate.”

Let’s see: There is a natural disaster. Devastation. People looking for a place to go for food and shelter. The infrastructure demolished. Power lines down. Water systems contaminated by debris. Grocery stores wrecked.

What should people do?

Negotiate. Get a better deal. Who cares if the kids are tired and hungry? Make the deal!

Then, of course, he came to energy, including his beloved coal. “Clean, beautiful coal that we’re going to be using like Germany does now.”

Yes, Germany uses coal for electricity generation. But the country is reducing its reliance on it, with legislation on the books to eliminate its use by 2038. The German government is increasing its investments in renewables, including wind electricity generation.

Trump was big in his support of coal during his victorious run for the presidency in 2016.

How did that work out?

According to the Energy Information Agency:

“By the end of 2020, the number of producing coal mines in the United States fell to 551 mines, the lowest number since US coal production peaked in 2008. In 2020, 40 coal mines were opened or reactivated, and 151 mines were idled or closed. This overall decrease resulted in an 18% annual decline in the total number of producing coal mines from 2019 and a 62% decline since 2008.”

Wind, of course, is something Trump can’t abide.

During a diversion into the build-out of data centers that will have adjoining power generation facilities due to their massive electricity needs, he said:

“None will use wind because wind doesn't work. It's just terrible how an environmental person can like wind. It kills the birds. It's very expensive. It's seven, eight times more expensive than other forms of energy. Every wind turbine in the country that goes up needs massive subsidies.

“It's really the only energy that needs subsidy, essentially. The solar is doing OK. So it's the only one. But to combat inflation, I declared that national energy emergency and we're going to unleash the liquid gold under our feet to bring the prices way down. That's going to happen. And again, we're going to have a big part of that is going to be natural gas, which is very, very clean and clean coal.”

According to his very own Department of Energy:

• Wind power creates good-paying jobs. There are nearly 150,000 people working in the U.S. wind industry across all 50 states, and that number continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine service technicians are the fastest growing U.S. job of the decade. Offering career opportunities ranging from blade fabricator to asset manager, the wind industry has the potential to support hundreds of thousands of more jobs by 2050.
• Wind power is a domestic resource that enables U.S. economic growth. In 2022, wind turbines operating in all 50 states generated more than 10% of the net total of the country’s energy. That same year, investments in new wind projects added $20 billion to the U.S. economy.
• Wind power is a clean and renewable energy source. Wind turbines harness energy from the wind using mechanical power to spin a generator and create electricity. Not only is wind an abundant and inexhaustible resource, but it also provides electricity without burning any fuel or polluting the air. Wind energy in the United States helps avoid 336 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually — equivalent to the emissions from 73 million cars.
• Wind power benefits local communities. Wind projects deliver an estimated $2 billion in state and local tax payments and land-lease payments each year. Communities that develop wind energy can use the extra revenue to put towards school budgets, reduce the tax burden on homeowners, and address local infrastructure projects.
• Wind turbines work in different settings. Wind energy generation fits well in agricultural and multi-use working landscapes. Wind energy is easily integrated in rural or remote areas, such as farms and ranches or coastal and island communities, where high-quality wind resources are often found.

And, yes:

• Wind power is cost-effective. Land-based, utility-scale wind turbines provide one of the lowest-priced energy sources available today. Furthermore, wind energy’s cost competitiveness continues to improve with advances in the science and technology of wind energy.

This sounds like it is the absolute MAGA energy miracle.

How long do you think that web page is going to stay up?

While rhapsodizing about the wonders of DOGE, he said this:

“$50 million for condoms for Hamas. They [meaning the U.S. government] gave $50 million; it worked out so well they gave another $50 million a little bit later. Condoms, $100 million for Hamas.”

This has been debunked for weeks, but Trump keeps saying it, lack of evidence notwithstanding.

Then there’s Social Security.

“We have 4.7 million Social Security numbers, people from the age of 100 to 109. So, if you're 100 to 109, we have 4.7 million people on our Social Security rolls, right?”

And while this is a bit hard to understand:

“From 110 to 119, you have 3.6 -- these are the people on the rolls. Now we're looking to see whether or not they've been paid, because if they've been paid, then you're just using those numbers to take out the money, all the money that's paid to those people. 3.47 million people from the age of 120 to 129. 3.9 million people aged 130 to 139. 3.5 million people aged 140 years old to 149 years old.”

That’s more than 19 million people who are rather old.

The implication is that these people are (a) probably dead and (b) getting Social Security benefits.

If Elon and his minions can save the spend on that, it is even better than not providing Hamas with condoms.

And it is equally fanciful.

According to the Social Security Administration, the number of people who received Social Security benefits in December 2024 who are age 99 and over is 89,106.

There is much, much more in Trump’s presentation to the governors.

Why is it that he can say such nonsense and not get questioned?

It used to be that even if it required a grain of salt, what our leaders told us was generally true.  But Trump’s riffs are often readily identified as being otherwise. Were Obama to have said these things he would have been called a liar. Were Biden to have, he would have been described as senile.

But Trump?

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MONDAY 2/24/25

Commentary by Sharon Lintner

With every headline, everyday, we are being saturated by Trump.

It's as if he is trying to outdo himself every day. Recently he referred to himself as "King." Absolutely outrageous. Apparently, being president of the United States isn't a high enough honor for a narcissist. 

This man has made a complete mockery of the highest office in our land. From hanging his own mug shot in the White House to disrespecting foreign leaders, he has destroyed our country's credibility in just a few short weeks. 

Trump's partner in chaos, Elon Musk, recently referred to the commander of the International Space Station as "fully retarded."  Some say Musk is brilliant, but he's not smart enough to choose a more civilized, appropriate response than that? Elementary kids are punished if they use such bullying and demeaning terms, yet we are expected to tolerate it from government officials. 

Trump's behavior is not only unprecedented, it’s alarming. This is simply not normal. 

He is placing our country in jeopardy. If he can no longer appropriately discharge the duties of this office, Congress has an obligation to act.

They have an obligation to save the United States of America. 

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FRIDAY 2/21/25

Commentary by Stephen Macaulay

Donald Trump’s approval rating is, as they say, “underwater.”

His overall job approval is at 45% according to Gallup polling February 3-16. The disapproval is at 51% and a sizable 5% have no opinion.

Yes, there really must be people living under rocks.

Of course, those numbers are “macro” in that they include Republicans, Democrats and independents.

It should surprise no one — except those who remember when Republicans actually stood for the rule of law, states’ rights, defending democracy, free trade, and things of that nature — that the overall Trump job approval is 93% among Republicans.

Four percent of Democrats give him a thumb’s up.

Still, that means 96% disapprove, unless there are a number of Dems with no opinion, which is unlikely but possible.

But what should be somewhat concerning to Trump are the numbers put up by the independents, which have him down.

Yes, down overall, with 37% approving of the job he’s doing.

More troubling are the numbers in individual categories of performance.

There’s no treading water found there.

On the subject of immigration, 40% of independents approve of his job. Think of it: this was one of Trump’s primary campaign issues and only 40% of independents give him a nod.

And it goes south from there:

• Foreign affairs:               37%
• Foreign trade:                 33%
• Economy:                      31%
• Situation in Middle East:  33%
• Situation in Ukraine:       33%

Look at the approval number for Trump’s work on the economy: 31%. The economy along with immigration were his primary boasts and the independents aren’t seeing it.

It is surprising that foreign affairs is so high, given his alienation of long-time allies of the US.

The Middle East is still roiling. The situation in Ukraine is getting worse with his embrace of Putin and attacks on Zelenskyy. (This may go back to his “perfect” phone call with Zelenskyy in July 2019 when Trump wanted him to investigate Joe Biden and to look into whether Hillary Clinton’s email server was in Ukraine. Zelenskyy demurred.)

One could argue that if things continue as they are, the independents are going to become even less approving.

While it isn’t precisely known how many actual independents there are (some may claim to be independent but more reliability lean Republican or Democratic), what is known is that they are important — possibly more important now, given how the supporters of the two traditional parties are walking in lockstep (or to go back to the theme of this, they are in the pool together synchronized swimming, except that the Olympic sport is graceful and on both sides grace is lacking).

If the support wanes further, then some of these independents are going to let their congressional representatives know that they aren’t happy. Unhappiness in their districts may be more concerning to them than a frown from Trump. 

When the tariffs start putting incredible pressure on family budgets, as inflation inches up because of them, when people start losing their jobs at the labs and research institutions that once received support from the Federal government before DOGE decided that support is unnecessary, when families that depended on school programs of various types for their kids . . . when these and other factors kick in hard, Trump may find himself to be unable to weave his way out of the negativity that will come his way like a tsunami.

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FRIDAY 2/21/25

Commentary

By putting everything on the chopping block, the Trump administration claims to be focusing on wasteful spending and how they can cut costs and save taxpayer money. 

Their solution is actually creating wasteful spending. 

Lawsuit upon lawsuit popping up everyday. Who is paying all the court costs? Trump is maintaining two White House properties, one in Florida and one in Washington --  who's paying for all the security? His family, wherever they may be, are provided with security measures as well. And then on top of it all Trump feels the need to attend the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500, both requiring immense security details. 

If Elon truly is looking to cut costs, he needs to compare what Trump has spent thus far on security and legal bills versus what prior administrations spent. 

DOGE needs to cut their own fat. 

--Sharon Lintner 

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WEDNESDAY 2/19/25

Commentary by Stephen Macaulay

Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

During World War II, the American people, on the home front, did a number of things to help the war effort. 

American service personnel, women and men, were fighting in Europe and Asia against bona-fide fascism and totalitarianism, not the types that Donald Trump ignorantly throws around in his weaves.

They were fighting not out of self-interest but, arguably, to quote the writers of Superman, “Truth, justice and the American way.”

The American way consists of doing things for others even if it is inconvenient.

So the American people on the home front faced rationed amounts of things like meat, sugar, butter, and milk. Gasoline was in limited availability. People planted Victory Gardens and conducted scrap drives.

All of these things — from the battle field to the backyard gardens — were done because it was the right thing to do.

The Bible tells us that we should do things for other people even if it is not going to benefit us personally.

Arguably, when we did that, like during World War II, that was when America was great.

But now, it is anything but, red hats notwithstanding, and it goes straight to what is being revealed in a reported contract that was drafted by the U.S. government and presented to Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to the British publication The Telegraph, the contract covers “mineral resources, oil and gas resources, ports, and other infrastructure.” And in that arena, the U.S. gets 50% of all recurring revenues from those things as well as 50% of the value of “all new licenses issued to third parties.”

What does this mean?

That because the American people have supported the people of Ukraine against the Russian aggressors through military, humanitarian and financial aid, now, according to Trump, we get that money back from them.

You know, just like mercenaries.

Here is a country that has been, and continues to be, bombed. A country with homes, offices, streets, infrastructure, and more rubble, a country that will have to undergo a massive rebuilding, but we want a piece of their treasure. 

As Trump said on Fox, “They may make a deal. They may not make a deal. They may be Russian someday, or they may not be Russian someday. But I want this money back.”

“But I want this money back.”

We should be ashamed of ourselves for being led by a man who shills Bibles but apparently hasn’t read one.

==

*Let’s not forget that Vladimir Putin has been charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court because of the deportation and transfer of children from their homes in Ukraine: say what you will about the ICC, but these are children taken from their homes, which would have once been considered a moral outrage but now, apparently in Washington, is met with a shrug.

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WEDNESDAY 2/19/25