Trump’s Putin Deal Is a Disgraceful Act of Betrayal
Summary
Hosts Sam and Catherine analyze the geopolitical fallout from Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel exports, a move that directly contradicts the recently passed Lindsey Graham Sanctions Act. They discuss how this deal undermines U.S. moral leadership and empowers Putin’s war chest, prompting Zelensky to retaliate by striking Russian refineries and terminals. The episode highlights the diplomatic rift between Washington and Kyiv, noting U.S. pressure on Ukraine to cease attacks to protect domestic fuel prices ahead of the midterms.
Topics discussed
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Intro, fall tour announcement, and Substack discount
Trump's announcement of Russian diesel deal
Analysis: Betrayal of Lindsey Graham Sanctions Act
Political fallout and Congressional embarrassment
The 'nuclear bomb' of tariff authorities and self-sanctioning
Context: Previous sanctions on India and upcoming reports
Economic impact: Diesel supply gap and refinery capacity
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Russia's war funding and Ukrainian strikes on refineries
Zelensky's response: Justifying attacks on Russian infrastructure
US-Ukraine tensions: Miami meetings and refinery strikes
Critique of US pressure to stop Ukrainian counterattacks
Parallels to Fed independence and closing thoughts
Outro: Tour and Substack reminders
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