Today in Politics, Bulletin 81. 2/28/25

Ron Filipkowski Mar 1 ∙

… Donald Trump and JD Vance put on the most disgraceful display in the Oval Office of any US president meeting with the leader of a foreign ally. They were hostile to Zelensky from the start, and expected him to beg, plead, kiss their rings, and sign over 50% of Ukraine’s mineral rights in exchange for a promise to try to negotiate with Putin on their behalf.

… As soon as Zelensky let them know he was going to defend his  country and pushed back on the Russian propaganda coming from Trump and Vance’s mouths, they flew into a rage and started yelling at him that they owned him and his country.

… It was clear their intent entering this meeting was to create a confrontation to justify pulling aid from Ukraine, and it was Vance’s job to be the instigator. When Zelensky tried to tell them how badly Ukrainian soldiers had been tortured when they returned from a prison exchange, Vance interrupted: “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media. Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems, you should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to his conflict.”

… Vance then said to Zelensky: “You have no men left in your country.” Zelensky responded: “Come and see.”

… Zelensky then suggested that Vance doesn’t feel the imminent threat of Putin because the US is so far away from Russia, Trump interrupted with a menacing tone: “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel because you’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong. You’re right now, not in a very good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”

… Trump the Mob Boss: “The problem is, I've empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don't think you'd be a tough guy without the US. Your people are very brave, but you're either going to make a deal or we're out, and if we're out, you'll fight it out. I don't think that’s going to be pretty. You’re in a much better position with us, but you’re not acting at all thankful, and that's not a nice thing. I'll be honest. That's not a nice thing.”

… Trump finished that tirade by yelling at Zelensky that he is “gambling with the lives of millions of people, you’re gambling with World War III - and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”

… Trump predicted the entire 4 years of the Biden Admin that WW3 was about to break out any day.

… Reuters reported that a correspondent from the Russian state news agency TASS was present in the Oval Office to cover the meeting, while AP and Reuters were excluded. After people started complaining about that and the word got out, a WH official then removed the TASS reporter and claimed that he was not on the approved list of media.

… Even though Reuters and AP were banned from attending the event, Marge Greene’s boyfriend Brian Glenn was able to get in start things off by asking this question of Zelensky: “Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?”

… The OAN reporter then asked a question that was basically just a tribute to how great Trump is.

… WaPo reported that after the meeting Trump is considering ending all ongoing shipments of military aid to Ukraine, according to a WH official. That is billions of dollars of radars, vehicles, ammunition and missiles awaiting shipment to Ukraine that was previously approved by Biden.

… Leaders of countries all over the world issued statements after the meeting expressing support for Ukraine and Zelensky, including virtually every country in Europe. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau: “Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For 3 years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace.”

… The EU Foreign Policy Chief issued a statement from Brussels that the bloc will increase aid to Ukraine to make up for any shortcomings from the US commitments, and said that the free world will no longer look to the US as their leader.

… Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement praising Trump for how he dealt with Zelensky. So the US now stands with Putin against the rest of the world. Elections certainly do have consequences.

… Republican Rep. Don Bacon: “A bad day for America’s foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom.”

… Trump then posted this on Truth Social: “It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the US in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

… Zelensky took the high road after, posting this statement on X: “Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”

… A short time later outside the WH, Trump said that he was upset that Zelensky said “negative things” about his good pal Putin during their meeting: “He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this’, ‘Putin that’ - all negative things.”

… Zelensky then did his previously scheduled live interview with Bret Baier of Fox, who asked him if he owed Trump an apology. Zelensky said no: “No. I respect the president and the American people. But I think we have to be open and honest. I’m not sure we did something bad. There are things where they have to understand the position of Ukraine.”

… Two Trump advisors told Axios that he also considered it “disrespectful” that Zelensky didn’t wear a suit to their meeting, and said that they advised Zelensky before the meeting to wear a suit. Instead, he wore what he has always worn since his country has been at war.

… No word yet on whether Trump is equally offended by Elon Musk’s attire in the Oval Office. I’ll keep you posted on that.

… This was a dark day for America and freedom-loving democracies all over the world. There is simply no way to sugar coat this. Trump has now put his cards on the table for everyone to plainly see that he is pro-Putin. Maybe some pro-Ukraine Republicans in Congress (there are many) will finally see that and will begin to step up and challenge Trump on this and other issues that are unpopular in their districts. I’m not counting on that, but if you are looking for a microscopic silver lining, that is one.

… The other one is that the incoming German Chancellor Merz, as well as the rest of the leaders of Europe, are now very clear-eyed that it is up to them to support Ukraine and defend themselves from this point forward, and there is a sense of urgency about that which has not been seen in those countries since 1939. It is sad that it has come to this, but at least they now know conclusively where they stand and what they have to do.

… ProPublica reports that Mike Johnson has been living in the $3.7 million DC home of evangelical pastor Steve Berger, who has attacked the separation of church and state as “a delusional lie.” Berger has said it is his mission to minister to members of Congress so that what “they learn is then translated into policy.” He has apparently been living there since January.

… Berger also opposes homosexuality, watching pornography, and same-sex marriage, saying it “opens the door to all manner of sexual depravity and wickedness.”

… SF Chronicle reports that the International Pride Orchestra says it was “disinvited” from presenting a summer Pride Celebration Concert at the Kennedy Center the same day Trump fired the board and took it over. Trump posted that day on Truth Social: “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.”

… Orchestra Director Roest: “We were heartbroken when we learned that our concert would no longer be welcome at the Kennedy Center.”

… Orchestra Conductor Christine Brandes: “Sadly, this is not surprising, but is in itself profoundly un-American and therefore disheartening. His actions further embolden us in our purpose.”

… Fallout continues from Trump envoy Ric Grenell reportedly lobbying Romania to allow alleged human sex trafficker Andrew Tate to fly to FL. MAGA podcaster Abby Libby made this post, which got 9.2 million views and 82,000 likes from her right-wing followers: “I voted for an administration that would stop human trafficking at our borders. I voted to get rapists and pedophiles off the streets. Trump's action in freeing the Tate brothers was a stunning betrayal of his mandate.”

… Sen. Josh Hawley doesn’t want to believe that his hero Trump had anything to do with freeing Tate: “I would hope our government wasn't involved in any way. My view is that charges against him are very serious. I don't think conservatives should be glorifying this guy at all. I certainly don't think that we should be using any influence in our government to try to get him out of what seemed to be extremely serious charges in Romania. So I would hope that we weren't involved in any way.”

… We were. In every way.

… AG Pam Bondi was getting crushed by MAGA supporters after the Epstein files debacle, so Bondi tried to blame FBI Director Kash Patel, sending him this letter: “I requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response to the request, I received approximately 200 pages of documents, which consisted primarily of flight logs, a list of Epstein’s contacts, and a list of victims’ names. I am directing you to conduct an immediate investigation to why my order to the FBI was not followed.”

… Bondi then demanded the full file by 8:00 AM this morning. No updates from Bondi on that as of yet.

It has been a long and difficult week. I know it is hard for many of you to read all of the stuff that is happening to our country right now. For every blurb in these bulletins, I read 100 more things that don’t make it in here - so I certainly consume more of it than just about anyone. But I think it is important for us to stay informed, tell the truth, and continue to fight.

If you missed yesterday’s Bulletin, you can read it here.

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… After the Epstein Files release fiasco was going down, Jim Jordan’s ‘House Judiciary Committee’ X account posted a link that said it would take you to a copy of the Epstein files, but instead it sent you to the Rick Astley video for ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’.

Apparently, Jim thought that would be funny.

… One right-wing influencer with over a million followers: “This is the official X account for the House Judiciary Committee using the Epstein files as an occasion for a corny Rickroll joke. Just a stunning lack of judgment by the people responsible for this account. Truly mind boggling.”

… Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, perhaps unaware that her friend Jordan runs that account, then chimed in: “The amount of people hurt by Epstein is not a joke. Whoever posted this is going to get fired. Disgusting behavior.”

… Jordan then deleted it.

… Conspiracy theorist Rep. Andy Ogles thinks that the Deep State is covering up incriminating evidence on Democrats, so he is filing a bill about it: “The PEDO Act would fire FBI obstructionists who ‘delete, destroy, alter, or otherwise cause to be removed ANY record that is related to Jeffrey Epstein.’" The American people deserve transparency and the TRUTH.”

… AOC sent letter to Bondi demanding to know if she is under criminal investigation: “I write to request clarity on whether DOJ has yielded to political pressure and attempts to weaponize the agency against elected officials whose speech they disagree with. Over the past 2 weeks, ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan has gone on multiple forums threatening political prosecution against me. Homan’s repeated attempts to use your agency to politically intimidate elected officials are a textbook threat to the right to free speech. A govt that uses threats of DOJ investigations to suppress free speech is a threat to us all. Please respond by March 5.”

… It appears that Trump and Republicans have already thrown the towel and given up on their attempt to pass a budget reconciliation bill before the deadline next month. So, it looks like they are headed to another Continuing Resolution (CR) just as they have had to do for the last 2.5 years because they are incapable of passing their own budget.

… Yes, the US government continues to use the budget crafted by Nancy Pelosi in 2022, since Republicans cannot govern. Trump and Mike Johnson are now saying they want a CR passed to fund the government with Pelosi’s budget until Sept 2025.

… Trump, naturally, blamed Joe Biden for the inability of Republicans to pass a budget: “Biden left us a total MESS. The Budget from last YEAR is still not done. We are working very hard with the House and Senate to pass a clean, temporary government funding Bill (“CR”) to the end of September. Let’s get it done!”

… The Hill reports that JD Vance addressed the Catholic Prayer Breakfast, and told them that when the pandemic first happened in early 2020, “he went to Dicks and bought 900 rounds of ammunition and two bags of rice at Walmart to wait it out."

… Casey and Ron Desantis sent another signal this morning that she is going to run to succeed her husband as governor against Trump-endorsed Byron Donalds, which could set up a nasty Republican civil war in FL between MAGA and Desantinistas. When asked if she was running, Casey said, "To quote the great Yogi Berra, when you come to a fork in the road, take it."

… Ron Desantis then stepped up to the podium: "You guys can read into that whatever you like. I've had people coming up to me for years, begging to get her in the fray. She's passionate, articulate, smart, she's got rock solid values."

… She’s running.

… AP reported that 5 former Secretaries of Defense signed a letter imploring Congress to hold emergency hearings on Trump’s recent firings of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several other senior military leaders. The letter was signed by William Perry, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, Jim Mattis and Lloyd Austin.

… The letter said there was no justification for the firings because several of the officers had been nominated by Trump and had exemplary careers: “We, like many Americans, including many troops, are therefore left to conclude that these leaders are being fired for purely partisan reasons. We’re not asking members of Congress to do us a favor; we’re asking them to do their jobs.”

… The letter also asked Senators not to vote for any future Trump DOD nominees until hearings are held, including his Joint Chiefs Chair nominee Dan Caine: “The House and Senate should demand that the administration justify each firing and fully explain why it violated Congress’ legislative intent that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff complete a four-year term in office.”

… NBC reports that US District Judge John Bates has ordered an official from Elon Musk’s DOGE to testify and provide document in the lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Labor and other unions. This will be the first time someone with DOGE has been required to testify under oath about their activities.

… Judge Bates also ordered that 8 hours of depositions can be taken of 4 staffers at HHS, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Labor Department and DOGE. The court said the main issue in the case is whether people working for DOGE have the legal authority under the Privacy Act to view individual information of government employees.

… Sen. John Cornyn was asked by HuffPost about Musk’s demand that Republicans impeach federal judges who rule against DOGE: “The best recourse for somebody who's unhappy with what a judge decides is to appeal what that judge decides. That's the recourse that's available to everybody.”

… Meteorologist Matt Lanza briefly ended his boycott of X to post this statement: “NOAA, the parent agency of the National Weather Service, indiscriminately fired a number of employees yesterday. This makes the country less safe. Full stop. I am gravely concerned about tools breaking that are critical to observations, analysis, and forecasts as we head into severe weather & hurricane seasons. This will degrade forecasts in all areas.”

… Lanza: “If you live in a conservative county, go ask your local emergency manager about their relationship with NOAA/NWS and how it helps your community. I'm not being snarky, I'm being serious. Go ask and listen to what they tell you. You will be surprised. Arguably, the NWS provides an outsized benefit to rural, more conservative communities compared to larger cities.”

… Fallout continues from Trump envoy Ric Grenell reportedly lobbying Romania to allow alleged human sex trafficker Andrew Tate to fly to FL. MAGA podcaster Abby Libby made this post, which got 9.2 million views and 82,000 likes from her right-wing followers: “I voted for an administration that would stop human trafficking at our borders. I voted to get rapists and pedophiles off the streets. Trump's action in freeing the Tate brothers was a stunning betrayal of his mandate.”

… Sen. Josh Hawley doesn’t want to believe that his hero Trump had anything to do with freeing Tate: “I would hope our government wasn't involved in any way. My view is that charges against him are very serious. I don't think conservatives should be glorifying this guy at all. I certainly don't think that we should be using any influence in our government to try to get him out of what seemed to be extremely serious charges in Romania. So I would hope that we weren't involved in any way.”

… We were. In every way.

… Bloomberg reports that shares of Tesla are down 40% in just the last few months, with European car sales down almost 50%. The stock was down 17% just this week alone.

… Trump signed an executive order making English the official language of the US. I don’t know how we survived the previous 240 years without that one.

… Pardoned J6 defendant Matthew Huttle was shot and killed by a police officer in Indiana after he resisted arrest, ran to his car, and said he was going to shoot himself. A physical struggle ensued and Huttle was shot by the officer. He had a loaded pistol in his car.

… Sen. Chuck Schumer announced that Sen. Elissa Slotkin will give the Democratic response to Trump’s joint address to Congress next week.

… Puck reported Rep. Victoria Spartz, who vowed that she was “never” going to vote to Johnson’s budget framework, changed her mind hours later after Trump intimidated her. Trump called Spartz on the phone after the vote was cancelled and people nearby said they could hear Trump screaming at her from her phone, which was not on speaker. Trump yelled at her that she was a “fake Republican” who was “derailing his agenda.”

… When Spartz emerged from the cloakroom where she took the phone call from Trump, Mike Johnson was standing there waiting for her. Johnson patted Spartz on the back and told her: “You know what you have to do.”

… When she was later asked by reporters why she suddenly changed her mind, she told them that she had a “great conversation” with Trump, who was “on board to get some great things done on health care.” Right.

… CNBC reports that an untold part of the story about Trump’s Gold Card proposal for people to buy US citizenship for $5 million is that the wealthy foreigners are also going to get a big tax break as part of the deal. The proposal from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick grants a tax loophole that will not be available to American citizens.

… US citizens must pay income tax on their U.S. earnings as well as any income they earn overseas, including in their home country. But purchasers of the Trump Gold Card would not be subject to taxes on their overseas income, which makes it much more attractive to wealthy foreigners to avoid paying the same taxes that apply to current US citizens.

… China has by far the highest number of wealthy citizens who are likely to seek to buy US citizenship based on past behavior with similar (but much less expensive) citizenship programs in other countries. Taiwan, Vietnam and India are expected to have next highest number of takers.

… NYT reports that Trump mega-donor and Paramount board member Shari Redstone has urged the company to settle Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against CBS because they edited their interview with Kamala Harris. Because of course she did.

… Semafor reports that Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who is facing a tough reelection battle in 2026, is worried that Trump’s tariffs and mass government firings is going to hurt him and others in key races: “The tariff regimen has to be right, or it’s going to be inflationary,” which would make this “a very, very difficult cycle for us.”

… NPR reports that 75,000 WaPo subscribers cancelled their subscriptions this week after Jeff Bezos implemented his new policy on editorials.

… A day after Trump posted on Truth Social that Canadians should leave Wayne Gretzky alone despite his friendship with Trump, Wayne’s wife Janet made this post on Instagram, which she later deleted: “I have never met anyone who is more Proud to be a Canadian and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments.”