Bulwark Takes: Ukraine Betrayed as Trump Cuts Off Intel (w/ Rep. Jim Himes)

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Sam Sun
Guest: Congressman Jim Himes (Connecticut)

1. Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Sun welcomes Congressman Jim Himes from Connecticut to discuss the tumultuous developments in U.S. relations with Ukraine, particularly focusing on the recent decision by the Trump administration to halt intelligence sharing and weapons support to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

2. Intelligence Sharing Suspension

Key Discussion Points:

• The Trump administration's cessation of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, confirmed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
• The significant impact this pause has on Ukraine's ability to effectively target Russian forces.
• Comparison of intelligence sharing to weapons supply, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of U.S. intelligence capabilities.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Himes [00:52]: “No one has the kind of intelligence collection capabilities that we do. And I can't, obviously, for obvious reasons get too specific about precisely what they are. But they're not replicable. They're not replicable.”
• Himes [01:47]: “It's not hard to replace artillery rounds, but you can't replace the kind of intelligence that we're capable of collecting and sharing with Ukrainians.”

Analysis: Himes underscores the critical role that U.S. intelligence has played in Ukraine's successes against Russian aggression. The suspension not only hampers Ukraine's immediate military effectiveness but also signals a strategic withdrawal of U.S. support that could have long-term implications for the conflict's outcome.

3. Administration's Rationale and Impact

Key Discussion Points:

• Himes expresses skepticism about the temporary nature of the pause, suggesting it may be part of a broader strategic shift.
• Critique of the Trump administration's approach to Ukraine, portraying it as punitive rather than supportive.
• Himes highlights the administration's apparent lack of communication with key stakeholders, including members of Congress and Ukrainian officials.

Notable Quotes:

• Himes [03:11]: “Donald Trump is bringing Ukraine to their knees... he thinks that that's the way to bring peace.”
• Himes [04:05]: “We are not being briefed on broader strategic plans or even really informed to the extent that I would like to.”

Analysis: Himes criticizes the Trump administration for undermining Ukraine’s defense capabilities and questions the administration’s commitment to supporting Ukrainian sovereignty. He suggests that the administration's strategy is more about political maneuvering than achieving genuine peace or supporting an ally.

4. Potential Trump-Putin Meeting

Key Discussion Points:

• Speculation about a one-on-one meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Himes’ concerns about the feasibility and potential outcomes of such a meeting.
• The imbalance of power in negotiations, with Ukraine's interests sidelined.

Notable Quotes:

• Himes [06:01]: “This is like talking to the wolf about the future of the sheep.”
• Himes [06:44]: “I have no reason to believe that this stuff is going to start back up.”

Analysis: Himes conveys a pessimistic view of any direct negotiations between Trump and Putin, fearing that Ukraine's position will be subordinated to Russian interests. He emphasizes the inherent power imbalance and doubts the administration's willingness to prioritize Ukraine’s security and sovereignty in such discussions.

5. Government Funding and Aid

Key Discussion Points:

• The impending government funding deadline and its implications for aid to Ukraine.
• Potential legislative avenues to secure continued support despite the administration's stance.
• Historical precedents where the administration has leveraged aid for political gains.

Notable Quotes:

• Himes [07:14]: “It's not going to happen. If you remember, Donald Trump's first impeachment was because Congress had passed a law saying we will provide aid to Ukraine.”
• Himes [07:27]: “These guys are just now fully, fully bowing to the Dear Leader.”

Analysis: Himes is skeptical about Congress's ability to override the administration's policies regarding Ukraine aid. He references the Trump administration's history of using aid as leverage, suggesting that similar tactics may undermine congressional efforts to support Ukraine through legislative means.

6. Zelensky's Meeting with Trump

Key Discussion Points:

• Evaluation of Ukrainian President Zelensky’s meeting with Trump, addressing criticisms of Zelensky’s approach.
• Discussion on the expectations of deference and gratitude towards the U.S. in diplomatic engagements.
• The broader narrative of blame-shifting towards Zelensky versus holding the administration accountable.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Sun [09:19]: “...should he have done it but would have been beneficial for him to do it.”
• Himes [10:03]: “We used to live in a country where... the first thing in the Oval Office wouldn't have been, why haven't you thanked us enough.”

Analysis: Himes defends Zelensky’s conduct in the meeting, criticizing the shift by some Republicans to blame Zelensky for diplomatic tensions. He highlights a decline in traditional democratic norms where allies expect gratitude and respect, drawing parallels to interactions with authoritative figures like mafia godfathers.

7. Democratic Party Strategy Against Trumpism

Key Discussion Points:

• The Democratic Party’s current standing and strategies amidst a challenging political landscape.
• The internal debate on focusing campaign messages on socio-political issues versus economic concerns.
• Reference to James Carville’s strategy of emphasizing economic issues to resonate with voters.

Notable Quotes:

• Himes [11:56]: “We're tempted to talk about everything... the developing consensus... is for God's sake, talk about economic issues.”
• Sam Sun [13:12]: “It's really hard for...”
• Himes [13:15]: “James Carville. It's the economy, stupid.”

Analysis: Himes discusses the Democratic Party’s strategic pivot towards emphasizing economic issues as the most effective way to connect with voters and counteract Trump’s influence. He argues that tangible economic concerns, like stock market fluctuations and personal finances, are more compelling to the electorate than broader socio-political debates.

8. Addressing the James Carville Strategy

Key Discussion Points:

• Comparison between Himes’ viewpoint and James Carville’s theory of "playing possum."
• Balancing the need to manage activist base expectations with strategic messaging to the broader electorate.
• The importance of communicating the real economic impacts of policy decisions to voters.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Sun [13:49]: “But what do you think of the Carville theory about playing possum?”
• Himes [14:00]: “Both of those things are important... But it's one thing to say, oh, my God, the Republicans want to cut $880 billion out of Medicaid... But wait till they open that 401k statement...”

Analysis: Himes differentiates his approach from Carville’s, emphasizing a need for proactive economic messaging rather than waiting for Trump to create vulnerabilities. He stresses the importance of highlighting immediate economic hardships that directly affect voters, thereby fostering a more engaged and informed electorate responsive to Democratic messaging on fiscal issues.

9. Conclusion

In this insightful discussion, Congressman Jim Himes provides a critical analysis of the Trump administration's recent policy shifts regarding Ukraine, highlighting the detrimental effects of halting intelligence sharing and military support. He expresses concern over the administration's strategic decisions and their implications for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Furthermore, Himes delves into the Democratic Party's strategic considerations in countering Trumpism, advocating for a focus on economic issues to effectively resonate with voters and challenge the incumbent's narrative.

Note: The timestamps referenced correspond to the points in the provided transcript and are intended to guide listeners or readers seeking specific segments of the conversation.