Friday, February 28, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Schiff Responds to Trump Oval Office Meltdown

 



MTN _ Sen_ Schiff.mp4
 
 

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Schiff Responds to Trump Oval Office Meltdown

Watch our exclusive interview with Adam Schiff on the Meidas+ Substack

Today was one of those days that will live in infamy.

Donald Trump disgraced the Oval Office yet again, this time using it as a stage to undermine Ukraine and cozy up to Vladimir Putin. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sitting right there, Trump—flanked by his Kremlin-parroting sidekick, JD Vance—repeated Russian propaganda and questioned why Zelenskyy dared to criticize Putin. The leader of a sovereign nation fighting for its very existence had to sit through an American president echoing Moscow’s talking points.

Senator Adam Schiff just joined me on the MeidasTouch Network for an exclusive interview to break it all down, and his reaction was clear: This was an absolute betrayal, not just of Ukraine, but of every democracy around the world.

Then, as if the embarrassment of that Oval Office meeting wasn’t enough, Trump canceled his press conference, then took to his failing social media site to announce he was also canceling peace talks. Yes, canceling peace talks. Like a petulant child throwing a tantrum, Trump reacted to being challenged by shutting down diplomacy entirely. And then, standing outside the White House in his ridiculous red MAGA hat, he actually criticized Zelenskyy for saying anything negative about Putin.

“He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace,’” Trump whined. “It isn’t enough to stand there and say, ‘Putin this, Putin that, all negative things.’”

Let that sink in. Donald Trump, who is supposed to be defending American interests, just said Zelenskyy should stop criticizing Putin. You know, the guy actively invading his country. If it weren’t so dangerous, it would be laughable.

And what’s Trump’s big policy plan? Not supporting our allies. Not defending democracy. Instead, this week, he announced he’d be selling Trump Gold Cards—for $5 million a pop—to Russian oligarchs, promising them a pathway to U.S. citizenship. You heard that right: Russian billionaires can now buy their way into America under Trump’s plan. But hey, no “negative things” about Putin, right?

Senator Schiff made it clear that this isn’t just a crisis for Ukraine—it’s a crisis for all of us. Trump is actively working to dismantle our alliances, destabilize global security, and sell out the country to the highest bidder. But here’s the thing: Americans see it. And we’re not going to let him get away with it.

Watch our exclusive interview with Senator Schiff now.

You make this all possible. Consider joining now as a paid member to help support the growth of independent media.

Meidas+ is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Bully-in-Chief Targets an Ally

 

The Bully-in-Chief Targets an Ally

Zelenskyy resists and refuses to kiss the ring


Credit: Getty Images

We try not to react to every White House event involving the new president, as we like to take a little time to digest what has happened and provide thoughtful analysis. But there’s not much to analyze about the president’s shocking behavior on Friday.

It was a new low for American diplomacy in my lifetime. There are few words that are family-friendly enough to describe what happened. Embarrassing. Horrifying. Mortifying.

People who witnessed or have watched Trump and JD Vance’s behavior toward a visiting head of state have said it made them everything from appalled to nauseous.

Here’s what happened: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet with Trump and Vance at the White House before a joint news conference and then a signing ceremony for a minerals-for-money deal. It never got past a one-sided shouting match in the Oval Office.

In what looked like a rehearsed and choreographed tag-team effort, Trump berated and lectured Zelenskyy while Vance egged him on. In front of cameras, Trump harangued Zelenskyy for supposedly not being grateful for U.S. aid and not acceding to American demands to end the war.

According to CNN’s fact checkers, Zelenskyy has thanked presidents Biden and Trump, and the American people, 33 times since the war began three years ago.

The whole thing today appeared to be a setup, a trap sprung on a wounded ally. Whatever it was, it will remain, through history, a stain on America’s reputation.

This reporter has covered hundreds of photo opportunities in the Oval Office over many administrations. Such are almost always dignified occasions. Today this tradition was sullied for the benefit of the MAGA faithful and the Kremlin.

Peter Baker of The New York Times described the meeting in shocked terms. “I have covered the White House since 1996. There has never been an Oval Office meeting in front of cameras like this one in all that time. Never has an American president lectured the leader of an ally in public like this, much less a leader that is fighting off invaders.”


If the point was for Trump’s friends in Russia to see his performance, message received. Cheers erupted in Moscow. A former Russian president praised Trump for his treatment of Zelenskyy.

At one point, Trump openly threatened the Ukrainian president. “You’re either going to make a deal or you’re out,” Trump yelled. A short time later, Zelenskyy left the White House.

The absurdity of the moment concluded with Trump, a former reality TV actor, saying, “This is going to make great television.”

To think the world’s security rests on this man’s judgment.

Even if you’ve seen the exchange or pieces of it, you may want to watch it again. And ponder anew what kind of country we are becoming.

All content on Steady is free for all subscribers. This is possible because of the generosity of our paid subscribers. Thank you to everyone who supports the Steady community.


No matter how you subscribe, I thank you for reading.

Stay Steady,
Dan

Judge says Trump administration ordering mass firings was unlawful

 


Friday, February 28

Want to know the easiest way to support Democracy Docket? Take a few seconds to forward this email to a friend so that they can stay informed on the fight for our democracy in the courts.

Judge says Trump administration ordering mass firings was unlawful


  • A federal judge in California ruled that the Office of Personnel Management's directive to terminate probationary employees was unlawful. This marks one of the first rulings declaring President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce as illegal.


Democrats sue Trump over attempt to control independent election agency


  • The Democratic Party sued Trump over his attempt to control the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the agency that enforces campaign finance laws, arguing it could enable him to influence agency decisions in favor of the Republican Party.


  • Earlier this month, FEC Chair Ellen Weintraub said that Trump tried to illegally remove her from her job.


Passing SAVE Act would be ‘taking a chainsaw to democracy’


  • The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a right-wing bill pushing for nationwide proof of citizenship for voter registration, has sparked backlash for its potential to disenfranchise millions. “Policies like these are like taking a chainsaw to our democracy,” Michigan Rep. Stephen Wooden (D) said in a press conference Thursday.


  • The SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of married women and transgender individuals whose legal name doesn’t match the one on their birth certificate and don’t have a valid passport.

Republicans’ new argument to dismantle Section 2 feels eerily familiar


  • Does racism still exist? Georgia Republicans claim that Congress needs to answer that before Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act can be used to challenge redistricting maps that reduce the power of Black voters. Read here to learn what you should know.


Hearing coming up Monday


  • A hearing will be held in a lawsuit from the city of Baltimore, Maryland, seeking to block Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the nation’s financial watchdog agency. The shutdown is paused as litigation proceeds.

Our President Is A Global Embarrassment

 

Our President Is A Global Embarrassment

2.28.25

Happy Friday, folks. Welcome back to another edition of Today’s American News, your source for news and analysis on the circus that is American politics and entertainment.

Trump and Vance embarrass America by going back on promises and picking fight with Zelenskyy on live TV… Welp, we should have seen this coming. During a live, joint press conference from the White House, Donald Trump once again did Russia’s bidding, going so far as to suggest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was preventing peace in his country because he “hates” Putin, as if the Ukrainian leader sitting next to him shouldn’t hate the man who has killed hundreds of thousands of the people he serves. Zelensky, like French president Emmanuel Macron earlier this week, stood his ground, offering his American counterpart a history lesson on why Russians cannot be trusted to keep their word in any peace deal. It was a shocking but not surprising sh*tshow played up by Trump and Vance for the cameras as Ukrainians continue to die protecting their sovereignty and identity. Watch at your own risk.

Trump-Zelenskyy White House debacle should motivate Europe… European governments have now seen in the clearest possible terms that the United States under Donald Trump will never be an ally of Ukraine, and they will thus mobilize immediately to act on their own to ensure a form of lasting peace (i.e., with security guarantees for Ukraine). As we said yesterday following UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit, Europe is on its own and should not kid themselves that Donald Trump will ever do the right thing. Zelenskyy has no reason to trust Trump, and perhaps his strategy today was not to secure help from an unreliable United States but to speed up Europe into the inevitable outcome. Perhaps Zelenskyy played Trump today, not the other way around. Whether or not that was his strategy, the nimble statesman who has protected his people every day of Russia’s full-scale and unprovoked invasion will make lemons from lemonade as he did at the Munich security conference earlier this month. Starmer, French president Macron, and incoming center-right German chancellor Friedrich Merz know what they must do. Poland and the Baltic states have for three years met resistance from Western European capitals as they have encouraged a bolder European approach. The time for delaying such an approach is over. The trip could actually play into Zelenskyy’s hands by jolting his only real allies into action. Berlin or Warsaw, for instance, could even sign a mineral agreement with Kiev similar to the one agreed to by Trump before his temper tantrum earlier today.

Trump is trying to control the Federal Election Commission. Democrats are taking him to court. Politico reports “National Democrats sued Friday to stave off what they say could be President Donald Trump’s destruction of impartial campaign finance regulation by the Federal Election Commission. The Democratic National Committee and the campaign arms for congressional Democrats say Trump’s executive order taking control of all independent agencies in the Executive Branch means the FEC could now be weaponized against Trump’s political adversaries in ways it was designed to prevent in the aftermath of Watergate.” Democrats’ suit points out that the executive order could “replace that bipartisan consensus with the judgment of a single partisan political figure—the President of the United States.”

Today's American News with Ally Sammarco is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.


Trump’s USDA actually doing something good: $1B plan to address egg crisis… Eggs are all the rage these days, and by rage we mean rage of consumers over inflation. Prices jumped 15 percent last month and consumers cleared the refrigerated shelves in fear of further price increases – invoking memories of the Covid-era toilet paper madness and subsequent baby formula shortage. NPR reports, “Eggs have become the grocery staple that Americans can't stop talking about: whether its fears of widespread bird flu getting worse, or the drastic increase in the cost of eggs as a result of so many chickens dying from illness or being culled because of the outbreak.” The USDA’s plan calls for “up to half a billion dollars boosting bio-safety precautions at egg farms. Another $400 million will go to speed the replacement of lost birds, although it can take six months to a year to raise a productive laying hen.” Didn’t Donald Trump promise to stop inflation, specifically as it impacts groceries? He did, and he credited himself for being the only person talking about groceries. “Very simple word, groceries,” Trump said to NBC’s Kristen Welker in December. “Like almost — you know, who uses the word? I started using the word — the groceries.” Lol.

Today’s Buzz

This fashion influencer is hilarious and we can’t stop watching… If you have a smartphone, chances are you’ve scrolled mindlessly through short social media videos at least once or twice. Scroll mindlessly no more, friends. @refahionedhippie featuring influencer Maggie is drop-dead funny as she offers brutal hot takes on some of the most absurd content the internet has to offer. Recurring video segments include “How Much Is This?” in which Maggie visits highest-end retailers and reveals, for instance, that a single paper clip can be purchased online for $3,450.

Today’s Furry Friend

Stand with Ukraine by watching cute animal videos... Throughout three years of humanitarian With the humanitarian and refugee crisis plaguing their country, the animal rescue operation Love Furry Friends has saved animals left behind. Even by just watching a few YouTube videos, you’ll help boost their revenues. The channel has 198M views to date.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KRQXMqzIkRkt7fzGlV2Qg/about

The weekend is here, so be sure to take some time for yourself. Check back in with Today’s American News’ next edition Monday evening.

Trump Screams at Zelenskyy in Oval Office Meltdown

 


COMMENTS:

I’m so disgusted, embarrassed and disturbed by how undignified and classless the behavior in the oval office was today.The whole world saw how low we’ve sunken in lack of diplomacy, intellect or honor within this administration. They constantly talked over this man who is more brave and honorable than both of them. Acting like high pressure ,scammy salespeople trying to force a bad deal. World leaders should avoid meeting with them all together until they can get their acts together and behave like real First World leaders.Being limited in travel by a criminal record shouldn’t be other leader’s issue ,especially if this is what awaits them.

Best thing any truly democratic, sovereign country can do is shun Trump, Vance and the entire Cabinet

100 percent agree. They are all despicable pieces of shit

How tf is ANYONE thinking he is president material in the slightest? Vance is horrible too. They both gave NO decorum. Absolutely embarrassing and disgusting to act like bullies and just spout garbage at someone fighting for the lives of his people!

YES old bone spurs wanted to humiliate Zelensky a real hero. Despicable.

Yeah, the fun part is when Crazy Pants Bone Spurs goes into a rant on the greatest hits of his utter corruption, Russia! Russia! Russia! His impeachments, bet there might be a few cowed Repubs who wished to hell they grew a spine and impeached him!

I don’t recognize my country anymore. This is sad.

I don't recognize my country's leadership anymore. I am glad to see so many expressing anger and horror at the despicable conduct of our so-called President (a real PINO: President in Name Only) and VP.

Those traitors don't seem to realize that a majority of Republican voters and many in office support Ukraine.

Many MAGA supporters believe whatever comes out of their leaders' mouths hook, line, and sinker. I believe they support whoever DT and Elon tell them to (and Ukraine is clearly NOT on that list). Never in my life did I think the US would vote against our allies and be in cahoots with countries like Russia and North Korea. Says a lot about the state of the US at the moment, and it isn't pretty.

some have reconsidered their support since they are now suffering with us: some lost their jobs, some will lose their farms, and all because they just couldn't be bothered to thoroughly research the differences between the candidates. we must be careful when we paint an entire group with one brush as their "leadership" and preferred propaganda outlets do. many of these people did serve in the military with honor and perhaps now understand that First Felon does not support them or honor their service. Those who have repented (like the two Jan 6 convicts who publicly refused to accept pardons) should be treated with compassion. We don't want to drive away those voters. Remember the words "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" and "keep your friends close and your enemies closer".

I am thoroughly disgusted, ashamed and embarrassed by these two. Lying bullying and disrespecting this brave leader. It has made me physically ill. I am trying with every fiber of my being to hold back the pure hate I feel.

I don't recognize my country anymore either. We appear like hustlers and grifters. "Kneel before Zod!" I'm disgusted.

Taking advantage of and robbing precious earth minerals from Ukraine because of the war disgusts me. Who the hell does a thing like that? Oh, wait...

That is what I have been saying. After almost 7 decades in the U.S., it is NOT my country. Wait, we are still the citizens of a great country who must rise up, peacefully, loudly & daily, to fight the attempted end to our democracy by these insane oligarchs. I shudder to think what the world sees here today. We are many, many millions in The Resistance.

Trump just finished turning the USA into a pariah country. Thanks President Forever Felon. You are indeed a F**ING A**HOLE.

The United States has completely lost its mind if it tolerates, for even a second, the disgraceful spectacle that took place during the recent Trump-Zelensky meeting. The fact that Trump—a man whose loyalty has always been questionable at best and treasonous at worst—is even back in the White House is an outright humiliation for the country. But what’s even more grotesque is his open criticism of a sovereign nation fighting for its survival while aligning himself with the very dictator responsible for the bloodshed.

Let’s be absolutely clear: Trump’s ties to Putin have never been speculation—they’ve been proven. The Mueller Report laid bare the depths of Russian interference in U.S. elections, interference that directly benefited Trump. His first term was a masterclass in appeasement, weakness, and deference to Vladimir Putin, whether it was his disgraceful performance in Helsinki, where he took Putin’s word over U.S. intelligence, or his efforts to extort Ukraine in 2019, which led to his first impeachment.

And now? He’s doing it all over again, except this time, he’s dragging America’s reputation straight into the sewer with him. Publicly attacking Zelensky while treating Putin like a misunderstood ally isn’t just stupidity—it’s national betrayal. There is no justification for undermining Ukraine at a moment when they are literally fighting for their existence against a genocidal Russian war machine.

The U.S. has long prided itself on being the defender of democracy, but with Trump’s latest performance, that reputation is hanging by a thread. America has gone from leading NATO to looking like a spineless enabler of authoritarianism, all thanks to a man who never should have been let near power again. JD Vance, meanwhile, should shut his mouth and stop running cover for a man who clearly values Putin’s approval more than defending American alliances.

At this point, this is no longer about politics—it’s about the fundamental survival of Western democratic values. The world is watching, and if the U.S. continues to coddle a wannabe dictator who openly sides with adversaries and degrades allies, it deserves every bit of the global humiliation that comes next.

Sadly, the reputation of The States isn't hanging by a thread, it's pretty much been swept away in a current of greed and hatred. We can fight back with information and action. Those of us in Canada can only hope that those fighting the good fight will prevail.

We all need to go on the Fox website and write clear, objective comments to their stories to show people what really happened. Do it every day, we have to get through their echo chamber.

Kathryn, you are right excepting that these clowns Trump and Vance let alone Musk are psychologically, temperamentally, and intellectually incapable of behaving like leaders in the world. None of them have advanced beyond adolescence in their attempts to deal with adults, as their buffoonery in this exchange with a true leader, Zelensky, was on full display. As I have already said, it is a fool's mission for any person or nation in good faith to ink a contract with Trump or Musk or indeed Vance because they will just screw them and divide the spoils with Putin or another suitable dictator.

​The recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28, 2025, has raised significant concerns regarding the United States' commitment to Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. During this encounter, President Trump and Vice President JD Vance openly criticized President Zelenskyy, accusing him of ingratitude for U.S. support and pressuring him to negotiate with Russia. Such public disparagement not only undermines the morale of a nation valiantly defending its sovereignty but also sends a perilous message to adversaries about the steadfastness of U.S. alliances.​

apnews.com

+1

thetimes.co.uk

+1

The United States' unwavering support for Ukraine is paramount, not only for the preservation of Ukrainian sovereignty but also for the maintenance of global democratic principles and the deterrence of authoritarian expansionism. By standing resolutely with Ukraine, the U.S. affirms its commitment to international law and the protection of fledgling democracies from coercive subjugation.​

Moreover, the historical context of Russian interference in U.S. domestic affairs, as evidenced by findings in the Mueller Report, underscores the necessity for a firm stance against any form of collaboration or appeasement with the Putin regime. Any actions that appear to condone or overlook such interference not only compromise national security but also erode the foundational trust between the government and its citizens.​

The recent conduct of President Trump and Vice President Vance, particularly the public admonishment of a key ally and the suggestion of reduced support, is both alarming and counterproductive. Such behavior not only jeopardizes the safety and morale of the Ukrainian people but also emboldens adversarial powers by projecting an image of disunity and indecision within the U.S. leadership.​

In this critical juncture, it is imperative that the United States reaffirms its commitments to Ukraine and NATO, recognizing that the strength of these alliances serves as a bulwark against the spread of authoritarianism. A steadfast and unequivocal support for Ukraine not only honors our existing alliances but also fortifies the global order against those who seek to undermine it.​

In conclusion, the United States must maintain a resolute and principled stance in support of Ukraine, denounce any form of aggression or interference by the Putin regime, and ensure that its leaders conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the nation's core values of liberty, justice, and unwavering support for its allies.

Thank you for stating all the things I wanted to write after watching this disgraceful visit & meeting at the White House with Trump & Vance actually screaming at Zelenskyy over the war they are hoping to end was atrocious. Not civil. Trump is like a bully at his highest form because he has all eyes & camera on him. Vance takes aim to be finally recognized over Musk, who he doesn’t hold a candle to! Musk is in charge of breaking everything we have strived for & used to be recognized as a world leader in many platforms. I can think of my father & other Vets rolling over in their graves over present day occurrences at Trump & musk hands. So many died for our country. Trump doesn’t care about what came before him. But the tone & attitude of how they held this meeting with a great man trying his best to save his country & looking for help is beyond belief. Trump is a puppet for Putin and we all know it!

Exactly! Vance sounded like a seedy used car sales man whose deal wasn't going his way.

How absolutely appalling! Trump and Vance should be ashamed of themselves. How much longer are Americans going to tolerate this embarrassment and how much more plainly does it need to be said by Trump himself. Wake up American people; this sorry excuse for a human being doesn’t give a s**t about you, your country, or anyone but his strange bedfellow, Putin. Zelensky showed remarkable dignity in tolerating that bullying tirade he was subjected to.

We need Zelensky as our president. I wrote a poem about how he and Ukrainians are defending democracy. They are freedom's light against the fascists: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/zelensky-ukraine-freedoms-light


This was for an audience of one: Putin


Exactly this shit show was planned like a bad soap opera and I am so ashamed to be an American right now.!!!!!

Later Lindsey Graham came before the cameras to say how proud he was of Trump and JD. He is compromised!

oh my god. rest assured that lindsey graham does not represent the majority of his constituents (of which i am one). he is an embarrassment. his fealty to the sitting fascist president is sickening. can’t wait to vote him out!

I feel the same about Susan Collins here in Maine.

Amen, she is a snake who tries to act like she is standing up for her country with empty token measures. She has totally sold her soul and her seat long ago.
I think it was also for the MAGA and low-info voters, trying to change the narrative so Americans won't rise up to protest what he's doing (selling our democracy and economy down the river). Disgraceful, but there appears to be no end to their gullibility and militant ignorance.

Let's organize a massive Zelensky Day in Canada, Europe, and the US. We must do it soon. Trump and Vance are thugs, not politicians, and we must show them that we are stronger than they are.

We must stand up for what is right. We must stand up for Zelensky and Ukraine.

JD events and Donald Trump brought Zelensky here to humiliate him. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. I am totally embarrassed by what happened and how this administration has embarrassed our country and the world.

Donate to Ukraine!

You can donate directly here:

u24.gov.ua

That was an American ambush by people who are putin allies. This is a turning point in the US. Trump/vance are traitors. This should be impeachable offence

OMG!!!!! Trump has completely degenerated and is now 100% a whining egomaniacal idiot. I am

sooooooo fucking embarrassed to be an American right now. I’ve never said that before and I’m over 70 now.

He isn’t intelligent enough to “discuss” anything. This was the absolute perfect example of group bullying. JD VANCE being the back up mouth, when trump runs out of breath. The shame!


I asked the organizer of today's Economic Boycott to organize a Zelensky Day. They seem to have an audience with some reach. We need this to be massive!

Try reading CRAIG UNGER's numerous books - should be available at your public library. 
Not sure it should be labeled being on Putin's payroll - but Russian Oligarchs paid excessive prices for Trump's properties, bailed him out of bankruptcy when US banks stopped loaning to him due to his fake valuations. 
DAVID CAY JOHNSTON wrote 2 books about Trump's casinos that are enlightening. 
Trump is a business failure 

Donald Trump’s 13 Biggest Business Failures
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/donald-trumps-13-biggest-business-failures-59556/

Unfamiliar with this site - just popped up -

A Great Businessman? 26 Of Donald Trump’s Biggest Business Failures (So Far)
https://chachingqueen.com/donald-trump-failed-businesses/

I was in traffic listening to the radio for 4 hours & had no way to share OUTRAGE! 

It's my recollection that much of the armaments given to UKRAINE were 'old' & outdated, but regardless  - the U.S. had seized RUSSIAN PROPERTY that TRUMP released...where did it go? 

Did Trump return it to the RUSSIAN MONEYLAUNDERERS to whom he owes obedience? 
There is so much corruption & disinformation, we can't be sure. 

Notice Brain Dead Trump called his predecessor 'stupid' - the man who worked with Democrats to turn the economy around - RECORD JOB CREATION! HISTORICALLY LOW UNEMPLOYMENT!  rUMP is destroying the ECONOMY as he did during his first reign of terror & his lunacy continues....Trumpers have amnesia. (REFRIGERATED TRAILERS filled with COVID DEAD?) 

There's far more to this exploitation of UKRAINE that we don't know. 





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