Here's Exactly Why Trump's Ukraine Plan is Triggering Dems & NeoCons

Summary

Summary of "Louder with Crowder" Episode: "Here's Exactly Why Trump's Ukraine Plan is Triggering Dems & NeoCons"

Release Date: February 13, 2025

Steven Crowder, host of "Louder with Crowder," presents a comprehensive analysis of former President Donald Trump's proposed plan to end the conflict in Ukraine. The episode intertwines political commentary, personal anecdotes, and satirical segments to explore the complexities and controversies surrounding the plan. Crowder delves into the reactions from Democrats, neoconservatives, and international allies, providing his perspective on the geopolitical implications.

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1. Introduction and Opening Remarks

Timestamp: 00:02 – 05:08

Steven Crowder opens the episode by addressing recent allegations against Representative Ilhan Omar, claiming she married her sibling—a topic he suggests has been known for years. This segment includes a satirical song emphasizing the controversy, blending humor with political critique.

Notable Quote:

• Steven Crowder [00:02]: "Hope you're well. You may have heard recently as breaking news that Ilhan Omar is facing calls to be deported because newly unearthed documents reveal that she in fact married her brother."

2. Promotion and Personal Updates

Timestamp: 04:02 – 09:00

Crowder takes a moment to promote Rumble Premium, highlighting exclusive content and notable figures associated with the platform. He shares a personal update about his back pain, maintaining a light-hearted tone despite the discomfort.

Notable Quote:

• Steven Crowder [04:02]: "My back is doing a little better. I have this little pillow. Seems to help."

3. Donald Trump's Ukraine Plan

Timestamp: 09:00 – 29:49

The core of the episode revolves around Trump's strategy to conclude the war in Ukraine. Crowder outlines Trump's recent statements on Truth Social, emphasizing negotiations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He argues that Trump's approach seeks to reduce U.S. involvement and urges European allies to shoulder more responsibility.

Key Points:

• Talks with Putin and Zelenskyy: Trump emphasizes diplomacy to end the "horrible, very bloody war."
• Burden-Sharing with Europe: Crowder critiques European nations for not meeting defense spending commitments, urging them to "start taking care of their own business."
• Criticism of U.S. Funding: He asserts that continued U.S. funding without European contributions leads to unnecessary casualties without achieving territorial changes.

Notable Quote:

• Steven Crowder [06:14]: "The only win that we can hope for is telling Europe to unscrew themselves and start taking care of their own business."

4. Defense Spending and NATO Obligations

Timestamp: 29:49 – 35:27

Crowder shifts focus to the broader topic of defense spending within NATO. He criticizes European countries for not meeting the 2% GDP defense spending target and highlights the disproportionate burden placed on the United States.

Key Points:

• Comparison of Defense Budgets: The U.S. spends significantly more on defense compared to European nations.
• Call for Increased European Spending: Emphasizes the need for European allies to fulfill their NATO commitments to balance defense responsibilities.

Notable Quote:

• Steven Crowder [35:42]: "The United States spends twice as much on defense as all of Europe. And Europe has over 100 million more people than the United States. Shut up."

5. Interview with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Timestamp: 43:09 – 53:13

The episode features an interview with Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, who discusses NATO's strategic objectives and stresses the importance of European allies increasing their defense spending. Hegseth underscores the necessity of burden-sharing to maintain NATO's effectiveness and deter potential aggressions.

Key Points:

• NATO's Strategic Objectives: Preventing great power conflicts, deterring aggression, and defeating threats to treaty allies.
• Defense Spending Goals: Advocates for European nations to exceed the 2% GDP target, suggesting a push towards 5%.
• Focus on Indo-Pacific: Highlights the importance of addressing threats in the Pacific region, particularly concerning China.

Notable Quote:

• Pete Hegseth [53:57]: "The United States faces consequential threats to our homeland. We must and we are focusing on the security of our own borders."

6. Critique of Media and Progressive Policies

Timestamp: 54:06 – 58:28

Crowder criticizes mainstream media narratives and progressive policies, particularly targeting the administration's stance on gender and LGBTQ+ issues. He employs a satirical tone to mock what he perceives as the overreach of progressive ideology in governmental policies.

Notable Quote:

• Steven Crowder [57:24]: "And you know what? The left doesn't want to solve problems."

7. Future of U.S. Defense Policy and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 58:29 – 65:41

In the concluding segment, Crowder discusses the implications of Trump's Ukraine plan on U.S. defense policy. He emphasizes the importance of strategic realism, urging the U.S. to prioritize its national interests and reduce overextension in foreign commitments. The episode wraps up with teasing upcoming content, including exclusive undercover footage related to LGBTQ+ agendas.

Key Points:

• Strategic Realism: Advocates for the U.S. to focus on its own security rather than overcommitting to international conflicts.
• Upcoming Content: Promotes future episodes that will feature investigative segments and exclusive footage.

Notable Quote:

• Steven Crowder [62:07]: "It's very different from, yeah, we're always going to stand with our allies, and we've been allies for a long time. Reality is you guys got to spend more, start being better friends."

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Insights and Conclusions

Steven Crowder articulates a viewpoint that advocates for a reduction in U.S. involvement in international conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. He emphasizes the need for European allies to take on a greater share of defense responsibilities within NATO to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to global security. Crowder criticizes what he perceives as media bias and progressive overreach, positioning his narrative as a call for strategic realism and prioritizing American interests.

The episode underscores the ongoing debate about burden-sharing within NATO, the effectiveness of diplomatic negotiations in conflict resolution, and the broader implications of defense spending on international alliances.

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Disclaimer:
This summary aims to encapsulate the key points and discussions from the "Louder with Crowder" episode based on the provided transcript. The views expressed in the podcast do not reflect the assistant's endorsements or positions.

Transcript

[Steven Crowder]

Hi there. Hope you're well. You may have heard recently as breaking news that Ilhan Omar is facing calls to be deported because newly unearthed documents reveal that she in fact married her brother. The thing here is we've known this for years. We've taken it a step further and we make no apologies for it. So let's go back to the vault.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Your lipstick is colored. Don't bother Elon. I know exactly what goes on. Elon Omar married her own biological brother. Wish this world but I'm completely serious. Yeah.

[Ilhan Omar]

Some people did something.

[Steven Crowder]

I will just say I have no interest in commenting about my personal life.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Then will you tell all your friends Omar married her sibling this song was super necessary. This song was super necessary. And will you tell all your friends Elon married her sibling this song was super necessary Song was super necessary. Let's go. Don't bother trying to explain it to me I know exactly what goes on with your bro. How about I'm here fact checking your soul out I'm here fact checking your domestic record. Keep the details covered. To get a visa you swap to a bribe that Will you tell all your friends Omar married her sibling this song was super necessary. This song was super necessary. And will you tell your friends El love marry her sibling this song was super necessary. This song was super necessary. Let's go.

[Steven Crowder]

Slip her hands. I understand why you got these questions.

[Ilhan Omar]

These very stupid questions. You understand what no comments mean?

[Steven Crowder]

Just in case you claim the song's misinformation, here's a pic of the marriage certificate. Yeah. No one never asked and you will never tell. But we know the truth is that you honeymoon with your bro. Just in case you claim the song's misinformation here's a pick of the marriage certificate. Yeah. Snoke will never ask and you will never tell them. We have all the receipts that show you share the same name. Just in case you claim the song's misinformation Certificate of the marriage certificate yeah. No one ever asked and you will never tell them we know the truth.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Is that you honeymoon with your bro and all of this is super gross. And all of this you two hadn't consummated Unholy Macri. The only thing worse than headphone is terroristic and zest you to wet and consummated unholy matrix. Your grandkids will look like they're from the movie delivered you too wed and consummated untoly matrimony. Your grandkids will look like they're from the movie D.

[Steven Crowder]

Click the Rumble Premium button to join now for $99 annually or try it for 99amonth to get the entirely ad free and exclusive daily content from this show. Nick DePaolo, Mr. Guns and Gear. Tim Pool, Russell Brand, Donald Trump Jr. Dr. Disrespect. And an ever expanding roster of content creators. And all the free speech you can eat if you could eat it. I am glad to be with you today. My back is doing a little better. I have this little, little pillow. Seems to help.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Now you're hurt because you bent over.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah, I thought I'd broadcast like this. So, so much to get to today. Obviously, everyone is talking about Russia. Ukraine. Please right now download the app if you are not already an app holder of Rumble. You only get notifications when we're live. We own live. The lineup is increasing. You just saw Tim Pool yesterday. And today is one of those days where we very well may be suspended from YouTube. We're okay with it. So let me just do this right now. If you're on YouTube and you see this, go to Rumble. It's a weekday show, 10am Eastern. And please share this right now because we're going to get into some controversies. It's actually the mildest topic that we just covered. Ilhan Omar copulating with her brother, if you can believe it. That's the least offensive portion of today's show.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Oh, she did more than copulate.

[Steven Crowder]

Yes. Yes, she did. So we're going to talk about the Ukraine plan, Russia addressing both sides. I am going to tell you that I think this is the best case scenario right now. That doesn't mean it's the best case scenario possible.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Sorry.

[Steven Crowder]

And you know what? I think the most important thing is to send a message to Europe right now. There aren't no one wins. So the only win that we can hope for is telling Europe to unscrew themselves and start taking care of their own business. How about that comment below? We have a window in time to do it and I'm okay with it. Stop thumbing your noses at us, arrogant pricks. The left is claiming that Donald Trump is lawless because of his executive orders. Hint. Anytime the left claims to care about constitutionality, they are lying to you. And we are actually going to have President Donald Trump on the program with the circuit judge today who tried to block one of his executive orders and they've agreed to have a discussion regarding that. So, Captain Morgan, CEO, I hope you're doing well, Mr. Firestein. I hope you are doing well, sir.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Aye.

[Steven Crowder]

Let's go first to this, you need to remember because we care about your daily affirmations. Especially if you're Trans. Wiccan on meds.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

4 transfleme affirmations for body positivity. The Goddess gave me this beautiful body. I will take care of her and tend to her needs freely in dance, sexuality, and simplicity.

[Steven Crowder]

Nothing about you is simple.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

But I need protein. Define my gender.

[Steven Crowder]

Now.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Your testicular cancer does change my body.

[Pete Hegseth]

To align with my gender as I.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

See fit and feel comfortable.

[Steven Crowder]

Glad you are.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Dysphoria, depression, and oppression can often have us paralyzed. So we need to be consistent with our spell casting, just like being consistent with our meds.

[Steven Crowder]

I'm gonna go with it's mostly the meds. That's what I think.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Well, maybe if I make my dick disappear. I think it was the meds.

[Steven Crowder]

It's the meds. It's the meds. Let me just be consistent with your spell casting and pharmaceuticals. It's the pharmaceuticals. Yeah. Don't throw it all in the same pot. One of those actually has an effect.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Guardium Leviosa. It's not going up.

Why did they pick the, like, the demon voice filter on that? I'm not sure.

[Steven Crowder]

No, that's just from years of hormone abuse. These are good meds.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Let me get some. We couldn't find the seven meds, baby, so.

Yeah, that's Zoloft, so.

Oh, yeah.

We're gonna need a stomach pump.

[Steven Crowder]

Oh, now I have too many.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Messier in my feminine body.

[Steven Crowder]

Why are they. Why are they so orangey? Oh, that's right. They're Tic Tacs now. Tuesday and Wednesday. And I know this is gonna be the theme of today. The left screams fascism. The left screams oppression. Because they experience some things that they don't like. You know what? I gotta do this.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Give yours to me.

[Steven Crowder]

No. Oh, Mama Bird.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Shoot him like Daffy Duck.

[Steven Crowder]

I only share my spell casting, not my medic.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

To get your recipe book.

[Steven Crowder]

So the left says, this is an example of fascism. And I want to be really clear here. There's a difference between the White House press briefings and these press, I guess, conferences that take place in the Oval Office. Brilliantly played. If you don't fully understand the subtext, you may actually give credence to the left's wailing and gnashing of teeth. So, AP reporters, Associated Press, that used to be considered the gold standard. They've been blocked from covering these White House events in the Oval Office. And, of course, everyone is furious. They say fascism should be noted. That has not stopped the Associated Press. From trying to sneak in. Now they are.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That's not gonna get you in.

[Steven Crowder]

They're not getting in because they refuse to refer to the Gulf of America as Gulf of America. They're still saying Gulf of Mexico. So this is an issue because it's important to this administration, and there's no guesswork with this lovely new press secretary, Ms. Levitt. This is the latest installment of Sweet Caroline.

[Pete Hegseth]

Sweet Caroline.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That podium never looks so good.

[Steven Crowder]

So Levitt reiterated press policies at the White House. Listen carefully.

[Ilhan Omar]

Which White House official made the decision to bar the AP reporter from the Oval Office and the Diplomatic Reception Room last night? Well, first of all, let me just set the record straight.

[Steven Crowder]

Pause one second. Rewind. I just want you before you listen carefully, I just want you, especially if you're on audio. Yes, these are both women. When you hear, can you explain that it's been barred from the press conference? And then you hear a lovely feminine voice. I know it shouldn't matter, but it does to me. Okay, let's play from the top.

[Ilhan Omar]

Which White House official made the decision to bar the AP reporter from the Oval Office and the Diplomatic Reception room last night? Ms. Well, first of all, let me just set the record straight. It is a privilege to cover this White House. It's a privilege to be the White House press secretary. And nobody has the right to go into the Oval Office and ask the president of the United States questions. That's an invitation that is given. And there are hundreds of outlets on this campus, many of you in this room who don't have the privilege of being part of that pool every single day and getting to ask the president questions. We reserve the right to decide who gets to go into the Oval Office. And you all have credentials to be here, including the Associated Press, who is in this briefing room today.

[Steven Crowder]

Now, this is important because, for example, when we started Mug Club, which is now Rumble Premium, we had a lot of people approaching us saying, hey, hey, free is the enemy of premium. And they wanted us to take away all of our free content. The reason I use this example is because it was very important to us that you never remove content that has been available to the public. But you can add more. They have added more. They still have the basic press briefings, the White House briefings. Now, they've added press briefings or conferences straight from the Oval Office. That's his office, the president's office. That's a bonus that is very, very well played. Gives them some extra control without being fascist or banning press from covering. I mean, for proof you see that man voice Collins was there herself.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Cameron Collins, Yes.

[Steven Crowder]

She went on to make it really clear as to why they are not allowed in the Oval Office.

[Ilhan Omar]

I was very upfront in my briefing on day one that if we feel that there are lies being pushed by outlets in this room, we are going to hold those lies accountable. And it is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America. And I'm not sure why news outlets don't want to call it that, but that is what it is. The Secretary of Interior has made that the official designation in the geographical identification name server. And Apple has recognized that. Google has recognized that. Pretty much every other outlet in this room has recognized that body of water as the Gulf of America. And it's very important to this administration that we get that right. Not just for people here at home, but also for the rest of the world.

[Steven Crowder]

Let's just all agree to call it Hurricane harbor at this point. That's like a party to me or oily Shrimpville. Now is this.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I don't want slides there.

[Steven Crowder]

Just bring a bottle of dawn. You'll be fine.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Like sun lotion.

[Steven Crowder]

Do you guys say this is an attack on free speech or should the AP be allowed to call it Gulf of Mexico? Aren't they supposed to be report? This is the name change. It's the legal name. It really does seem as though they're being petty and they want some kind of a win. I would actually consider this one a loss. Especially when you are dealing with the lovely Caroline.

[Pete Hegseth]

Sweet Caroline.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That podium never look so good.

[Steven Crowder]

I've never wanted to be a podium so badly in all my life.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Stop it.

[Steven Crowder]

Also, wouldn't that count as dead naming? Yes. Yes it does.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Do not dead.

Come on golf.

[Steven Crowder]

Yes.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Be progressive, dude.

[Steven Crowder]

And you had something you wanted to mention?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yes. So we have new shirts available today. So we're kind of calling it the Christ collection online. Go to Crowdershop.com we've got one on right here. I am a son of a true king. I can't, but I know a guy with cross. Be strong. All kinds of great shirts that you can go out and wear and have a positive message for people. And hey, maybe they'll ask you some questions and you can tell them about God or tell them about the show if you don't know anything about God but just wear the shirt.

I've got a self proclaimed Christian on my shirt. But you know the ten commandments says thou shalt not steal.

[Steven Crowder]

Exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I think that's the eighth Commandment.

[Steven Crowder]

Colbert is more of a cafeteria Christian kind of weird.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

By the way, limited time only for these shirts. So make sure you grab them if you like them.

[Steven Crowder]

Let's go now to Ukraine. Look, I'm gonna read for you what Donald Trump has said. We're gonna get into what Mr. Hegseth has said and why this is a good play at this point in time. It's not lost on me. There are no winners in war. We don't find ourselves in an ideal situation. But right now, at this moment in time, it's the right thing to do. So this morning Donald Trump dropped a new post on ending the war in Ukraine. On Truth Social, he said, great talks with Russia and Ukraine yesterday. Good possibility of ending that horrible, very bloody war. Three exclamation marks. Cuz it's very bloody and it's all, all caps. And this is where we, we're going to go through this here kind of three key facts that I think you need. This is really the only option left right now. Your choices are continue this war. And by that I mean the United States funding this war. Right. Because Ukraine wouldn't be able to do anything without the funding of the United States. Continue many, many more lives lost, likely millions, and end up in the same place. And we will show you irrefutably why that is very likely the case. I argued at the beginning of this that it was a foregone conclusion this is where we would end up. And I think what's most important here in Donald Trump, President Trump and Hegseth, they are taking this opportunity to tell Europe to unscrew themselves and start doing their own work. Let the United States focus on the United States and Europe, NATO, you want to play these games, Start paying your fair share. And hey, maybe you won't be able to brag about those entitlement programs so much when you have to defend your own borders. It's time for Insane in the Ukraine.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Insane of the Ukraine.

[Steven Crowder]

Insane of Ukraine.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Insane after Ukraine.

[Steven Crowder]

Insane on Ukraine. I'm sad we won't be able to use that stinger so much anymore.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

It's really him.

[Steven Crowder]

I know. I thought it was just a lookalike. So what happened at the brief timeline yesterday? Right. Donald Trump, it broke and we actually covered it as it was happening. He spoke with Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine. So the left equates that to he's buddies with Putin and he's on Putin's side. Okay. Right after that, Donald Trump also confirmed that he had spoken with Zelensky Okay. So he had spoken with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, who's been president for a while too. I don't know if they don't have elections.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

No, not.

[Steven Crowder]

Well, the beacon of democracy.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

You suspend them sometimes.

[Steven Crowder]

You suspend them. You suspend them sometimes indefinitely. Ukrainian officials then confirmed with footage of Zelenskyy immediately following the. What? It's an inanimate f. Ing object. You're an inanimate f. Ing object. Look, it's a bad day.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yeah.

[Steven Crowder]

So the conversation, of course, inspired meltdowns. And I know that there's no good team here, but the Europeans, the Democrats, the neocons who really, really wanted this war to continue. And talking to people in the defence establishment, what I'm hearing are things like this. They. The US administration are doing this above Zelenskyy's head. Well, that's not that hard to do, right.

[Pete Hegseth]

Overall approach, which is that no way.

[Steven Crowder]

Will Vladimir Putin get all he wants.

[Pete Hegseth]

Which is Ukraine, but Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

[Steven Crowder]

Will lose a huge amount of Ukraine. This is what I'm hearing of the US administration. The bastards are gonna do this. So it means that not only is unprovoked aggression by Russia against Ukraine, Ukraine now, okay, every other former Republican. The Soviet Union is vulnerable to the same thing without any indication that the US will do anything about it. And I think the people who are paying the closest attention to this outside of in Ukraine are in Beijing, where they see the United States unwilling to.

[Pete Hegseth]

Act against unprovoked aggression in the center of Europe.

[Steven Crowder]

What are they thinking now about Taiwan? I'll tell you what, it's the exact opposite of that, you rube. This is specifically so that we can be prepared for a conflict that does involve American self interest. Taiwan. And Secretary of Defense Hegseth made that very, very clear. This is the issue. They are being dishonest to you also. This could happen anyway. Does anyone actually think that Putin is going to be marching on Poland? First off, I think there was an argument to be made back. I didn't necessarily think so, but at this point it's not even feasible. And if that does happen, hey, NATO, step up and do your job. It's not America's job. It's disingenuous. They're doing this to specifically subvert your understanding here that this shows Taiwan. No, no, this is the opposite of that. We're letting Taiwan know, hey, you guys are a priority for us, not another corrupt installed government. Ukraine. In Russia, they're both bad. There's evil and worse with Ukraine And Russia. Can we agree on that?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

And by the way, I wish I loved war or anything as much as John Bolton loves war. Gosh, they're going to clip that of me now.

It looks like he also loves Scooby Snacks.

[Steven Crowder]

Yes, he does. He does. He does.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

A terrier.

Nailed it.

[Steven Crowder]

And then President Trump said this specifically about Ukrainian aid.

[Pete Hegseth]

We're getting security on our money. We're going to have it secured by. They have rare earth and they have oil and gas and they have a.

[Steven Crowder]

Lot of other things.

[Pete Hegseth]

And we're asking for security in our money. They've agreed to it. Ukraine has agreed to it. Doesn't mean you are not sending any more aid to Ukraine. No, we are, but we want it secured, and the money is going to be secured. Because if we didn't do that, then Putin would say he won. We're the thing that's holding it back. And frankly, we'll go as long as we have to go because we're not going to let the other happen.

[Steven Crowder]

So very balanced. Which, of course, inspired a meltdown from the Russia stance. So you can't please anybody. The Ukraine bros. You can't please the Russia Stans. And I know that both sides are mad with us because, look, balls and strikes are balls and strikes. Okay, to be clear, this is a fruitless endeavor. The territories aren't gonna change. Right. The battle lines. To think that this is going to go back to a map that we had pre2014 Ukraine is simply not feasible. The idea that Russia right now is going to march on Poland is just. It defies reason. And if it's. If it were to happen, hey, that's NATO's job. And without the United States, guess what? There is no offense mounted by Ukraine, and we're tired of the rest of the world demanding money while you tell us that you have free health care and free Internet and whatever it is that you gays in Europe do. Let me tell you why this plan makes perfect sense at this moment in time. Number one, President Trump started from a position of strength right after his inauguration. He wrote this on truth. I'm going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin a very big favor. Settle now and stop this ridiculous war. It's only going to get worse if we don't make a deal. And soon. I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States and various other participating countries. Could be many. We can do it the easy way or the hard way. The easy way is always better. He made it very clear. And the thing is with Donald Trump, President Trump, you know, he could do the crazy stuff that he says he may do. Yeah, he's made a career off of being unpredictable. It's not lost on me. If you think that we are sending the message to Vladimir Putin that he can simply invade and win, that's not the reality of the threat and that is not the message that is being sent right now. Key fact here, number two, this war has been a stalemate for a very long time outside of the lives lost. So first of all, NATO membership was a non starter. Right. For Putin who said this last year, we're talking about Ukraine. He said if there is no neutrality, it is difficult to imagine the existence of any good neighborly relations between Russia and Ukraine. If you don't remember, Biden met, I believe it was Zelensky talked about perhaps NATO. Those rumors went and then boom, it popped off. This has always been a sore spot. And it's been an agreement with Russia. Right. Ukraine, NATO. They are not supposed to join NATO. I know people now say, oh, that was never going to happen. Yeah, but you discussed it and you demanded it. So this war has been a stalemate. Let's look right now at the lines of control. Okay, here's a map for you. All right. See that? That's where we are. Okay, now let's look at the lines of control. Exactly two years ago. How many more years do you need? Geez, think about that.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That's unbelievable.

Those aren't the same picture.

[Steven Crowder]

Exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

There's a little bit more territory up.

[Steven Crowder]

North, but yeah, that's two years. The casualties and they're very, very hard to get an accurate number. We, we provide the references links in the description. So we've tried to use more left leaning sources in case people want to accuse us of bias. Depends where you're getting them. In Ukraine, 400,000 plus dead or wounded. Russia, 600,000 plus dead or wounded. It's one of those, give or take half a million depending on the numbers that you use. Yeah, but you are.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Losses could be much, much higher.

[Steven Crowder]

Could be much higher. Most of the numbers include severe injuries along with deaths and casualties. The point is you're in the seven figures and the battle lines are not. The lines of control are the exact same. They're the exact same. It's just more money. Not to mention the billions of dollars missing.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yeah.

[Steven Crowder]

At what point do you say, okay, this is a war that doesn't make sense.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

It's a big war that doesn't make sense.

[Steven Crowder]

Right.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Like people want to compare this war to our war in Afghanistan or Iraq, but those numbers are nowhere near the same.

Not even close.

[Steven Crowder]

Not even close.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I mean, I think it was Operation Enduring Freedom. I think it was a total of like 32 or 35,000 total and dead. It was like three, 3,500 dead, maybe.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

And then, you know, 35 total compared to that.

[Steven Crowder]

You're right.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

And that's 20 years.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

What do you think's gonna happen if this goes on for 20 more years?

[Steven Crowder]

No. Exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

You're gonna run out of people.

[Steven Crowder]

So the alternative right now is to continue the funding to the tune of hundred billions of dollars. You think in three years and four years and five, you think that the lines of control are gonna change? Let's fund it. Billions of more dollars, millions of more people, they'll just end up dying and you'll end up the most likely scenario. That was pretty much the foregone conclusion at the start of this war. It doesn't mean that invading Ukraine was right. No one is saying that. We are living in reality at this point. And we have another problem that I think has been highlighted by this war and I would argue as Americans should concern us most. But that's me, Mr. Selfish American, is that we have now seen that Europe is woefully in a clip in equipped and eclipsed. You don't want to stare directly at the sun. No, you don't need to admonish me. Fine, give me one.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Admonish. Let it.

Yeah, let that thunder roll.

[Steven Crowder]

That Europe is woefully ill equipped because the word woefully was before. It's hard to say. And this includes this whole NATO, all of this. They can't deal with their own problems. They can't deal with their own crap. It is a given that the United States will be the never ending supply of funding so long as we are virtue signaled, brow beaten into submission on behalf of interests that are not aligned with our own. I think the most important point that can be made at this point, you can comment below if you disagree, is to tell Europe, hey, hey, start removing the entitlement phallus from your asses and start taking care of your own countries. It's not our job to step in, and I say this to someone who lived in Canada where there was American military. Okay, we change one thing. Defend your own border. Go. Exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

How about France sends somebody to Mexico to take care of the cartels?

[Steven Crowder]

Right, Exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Go for it, guys.

[Steven Crowder]

And we have an opportunity right now, because they are in a little bit of the hot seat. And you know what? They should be. It's like, hey, enjoy your hot seat. Maybe you should clean this up at this point. Start with just paying your fair share. NATO nations, not even close, with the exception of one. We'll get to that. So yesterday, former Fox Sunday morning host, now Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Europe, former major, was going to have to do just that.

[Pete Hegseth]

Any security guarantee must be backed by capable European and non European troops. We ask each of your countries to step up on fulfilling the commitments that you have made. And we challenge your countries and your citizens to double down and recommit yourselves not only to Ukraine's immediate security needs, but to Europe's long term defense and deterrence goals.

[Steven Crowder]

It's your yard. Keep your dog in it. Vice President J.D. vance said pretty much the same thing during the campaign.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

The second biggest criticism I make about the war in Ukraine and our approach to it is that we are subsidizing the Europeans to do nothing. The Europeans are not carrying their fair.

[Steven Crowder]

Share of the burden, especially when it comes in provision of weapons and their own.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

And they're deindustrializing their own country at the same time that they say that Putin must be defeated at all costs.

[Steven Crowder]

Side note, isn't it cool to see men again? Hagset fans comment below. It's the little wins, right? You have to enjoy the small victories. Actual men, American men.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I like seeing headsets with the American flag pocket square.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah. Proud straight out of central cast.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Love that.

[Steven Crowder]

I hope he drinks a little more, look more manly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

He said he wouldn't.

All right, well, I mean, can we just focus in on here? This has been going on for literally centuries. But let's just focus on over the last hundred years, this has been going on, this exact same battle over this exact same piece of land with the exact same participants doing this. And Europe has just basically been sitting on their thumbs the entire time.

[Steven Crowder]

Right.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

It's not like this is a new problem, that they're like, oh no, this came out of nowhere. This has been going on for a very long time at different levels.

[Steven Crowder]

Everything you just said is correct. But what gets me viscerally angry is being raised in Canada where they would badmouth the United States, say, ah, you guys are just a bunch of gun totenyahus. And in Europe, if you have an American passport, oh, you Americans are so blah, blah, blah, blah. You know what? First off, we don't like you. That's why we left. Second, you get all this free shit. Even though you live in small IKEA apartments, they have to have a combo washer dryer unit that always leaves your clothes damp because you can't afford real estate. The United States spends twice as much on defense as all of Europe. And Europe has over 100 million more people than the United States. Shut up. The fact this is one of the greatest tricks that has ever crap on the left, it's one of the greatest gotchas tricks that's been pulled on a people ever. The fact that you have Americans out there thinking it's our duty to fund Ukraine. When you get NATO right there, we're the only ones expected to fix it. We're the only ones expected to save people. And we're the only ones who are expected to take blame and accept fault. No. How about that? Only Poland and God love the Pollocks, they contribute a higher share of their GDP to defense. The United states, they're like 3.9, we're 3.4. And again, that's because Poland doesn't want Putin to march on in through there, which seems highly unlikely at this point. I'm not concerned about it. I think Poland can also help handle themselves. If you see what Ukraine has done, and the good news is NATO would actually have a responsibility to help Poland. Yeah, but all of this was predicated. What about Poland? I don't know. Isn't that your job?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Right, but by the way, with Poland, they're not just sitting back saying NATO will come to our defense either. No, they're actually preparing to defend themselves. And that's exactly what we want every country over there to do. It is your, to some degree, it is your land, if you can keep it has been the historical mantra.

[Steven Crowder]

Right.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Forever.

[Steven Crowder]

It's almost like erasing history doesn't work. They're actually learning from it. And Poland, by the way, they've been browbeaten on the international stage. Like, we're going to kick out my Muslims. UN's, like, no, like, yes, yes, good. And it's not just. And by the way, it's not just the military. Right. We're expected to foot the bill militarily for the entire world. Okay, great. The United States. Yay, us. Except you guys all act like we're a bunch of pricks. Okay, fine. Europe spends a third less. Yes. And by the way, when I say yes, Europe on R and D compared to the United States, one country. And Japan. Yeah. All of Europe.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Oh, the whole thing.

[Steven Crowder]

All of Europe. And for all of the arrogance that you hear, and when you also hear this from American Democrats saying we should be more like Europe. You know, these leisure societies who have given the world nothing for the last several centuries. You go, well, hold on a second. They're not spending anything on military compared to us. They're not spending anything on R and D. And that includes technology, that includes pharmaceuticals, you know, life saving tools that are created. Well, then you look at the entitlements as a percentage of the GDP. France, 32%. Austria, 29%. Italy, 28.9%. Germany, 28.8%. Denmark. Denmark 26.9%. We still have way too much at 23, but it's significantly lower. And South Korea said, hold my b out with 12.2%. Which brings me, by the way, at this point in time, no apologies, to a deal I would take tomorrow. So since all of this has transpired, Canadians, Euro trash, they're all over X and social media saying that because of this, we should kick the United States out of NATO. Here's Mariska Din Ellen. Ukraine in NATO makes more sense than the Americans in NATO. Just kick the Americans out. Ukrainians actually defend Europe. Alan Fryer, I assume is. I don't know, I assume a Brit. Never thought I'd say this, but both NATO and the G7 should reconsider continued US membership. Just want to remind everyone, Ukraine's land, Ukraine's choice. The US Is not the center of the universe. They are free to make shitty choices. They are free to make shitty recommendations. But Europe and Ukraine are also free to tell the US to go and F itself. Okay, all right. We're free to make crappy choices. We're not the center of the universe. You know what? I'll take your word for it. We shouldn't be the center of the universe. Namely, shouldn't be the center of your universe, largely because yours is shittier. Ours is better. So you don't want us here because you don't want us to pull funding. How about this? Going forward, we will offer no funding. You want us out of NATO. That is a deal that I would take tomorrow. I'm pissed now. Now.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yeah. Hey, Europe, thanks for the renaissance. Now kick rocks.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah, just where these people. Just think of the arrogance.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I know.

[Steven Crowder]

It's like, okay, what? High horse, where's your soapbox? Is it. Is it medical innovations? No. Is it medicine? No. Technology? No. Military? No. Winning any wars in the last couple centuries? No.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That war would have been over a long time ago without us.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Steven Crowder]

Oh, yeah, Absolutely.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

We could. Oh, yeah, you're right. We could have helped out. We could have ended this war two years ago by not sending any weapons and letting that whole country become Russia.

[Steven Crowder]

Yep.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That would have put it right on NATO's border. Piss off.

[Steven Crowder]

Probably would have. Probably would have resulted in far fewer lives lost because it would have been quite swift. Not saying it's a good thing, it's just you don't get to demand our money. And then Sherman eyes as to how we give it to you. Key point here. Number three, when you listen to Mr. Bolton with the Rocky Bullwinkle halftime mustache, he was saying, ridiculous, dude. What kind of a message is this sending to Taiwan? You can go back in time when this war started, where we talked about the unholy alliance that could take place between Russia and China because they weren't good bedfellows and if they do cozy up, that could be bad. And we talked about how we needed to be ready for the Pacific theater, not because we value Taiwan more than the United States, but because we actually have our own self interest at stakeholders. And if you understand the worldview, the ism from this government, of course you would know that Bolton is full of crap because Secretary Hegseth said on Sunday, I believe it was. I don't know when he said it. He was a Sunday morning host, but I think he said it this week. I get confused. He discussed specifically. Hey, hey, hey. I just want to be clear. Ukraine is not Asia. Asia is our priority.

[Pete Hegseth]

The United States faces consequential threats to our homeland. We must and we are focusing on security of our own borders. We also face a peer competitor in the communist Chinese with the capability and intent to threaten our homeland and core national interests in the Indo Pacific. The US is prioritizing deterring war with China in the Pacific, recognizing the reality of scarcity and making the resourcing trade offs to ensure deterrence does not fail.

[Steven Crowder]

Ah, hold on a second. There it is again. Treating the government like a business. Scarcity, not a never ending supply of funding. Unlike how NATO considers it, how they view it, unlike how the Democrats view it. It's just more money, more money, more money. More money equals good. So when people like Bolton, those absolute retards, when they say this is actually sending a message to Taiwan that we're not going to help them. You don't live in the real world in understanding supply, understanding demand, understanding scarcity. The United States defense industrial, our industrial base here cannot support war in both theaters in Ukraine, Russia and in the Pacific. A lot of the weapons that would be needed in Taiwan have been Sent to Ukraine. Meaning it cannot be sent to Taiwan. So HIMARS ATACMS. Or is it ATA?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

It's hard to say. ATACMS.

[Steven Crowder]

ATACMS, 15 millimeter shells. These are all the kinds of supplies that Taiwan would need and instead are being sent to a different theater of war where the control lines haven't changed at all.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

By the way, it's 155 millimeter shells. 15 millimeter.

[Steven Crowder]

What did I say 15? No, 155.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

155. Mike, Mike, those are big.

155.

[Steven Crowder]

I was thinking. I was thinking of my bathroom mirror.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Not me again.

I don't need to get bragged with.

[Steven Crowder]

A frickin admonish because 155 millimeter shells, obviously.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Son of a gun.

I don't even know what 15 millimeter shell would look like.

[Steven Crowder]

It's not a shell. It's not a shell. It's like a.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

It's a puny.

[Steven Crowder]

I mean, still, it would be like, you know, it'd be a big handgun round, right?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

It's the one you bought from temu.

Like a mortar.

[Steven Crowder]

That's all you got. But look at mine, that's 10 times bigger, so. And by the way, the CSIS, the war games, they've run some scenarios here. The United States would run out of quite a few critical munitions within one week in a fight with China. Well, based on what we have right now, that sucks. So anyone telling you that this is simply enabling a tyrant and that this is buddying up with Russia, this is really what it comes down to. What's the alternative? We know what NATO's is. We know what Ukraine's would be. More money, more money, more money. How does that fix it? And you know what? I'd issue that challenge too. That same solution for all of our problems. Department of Education. Okay, we think we need to reform it. You say more money, more money, more money. Okay, Social Security. Something needs to change. You say more money, more money. Virginia, Something needs to change. You say more money, more money. What is the alternative? At this Moment in time, February 13, 2025, can anyone give me an answer beyond more money? Because mine is no money. And Europe needs to stop being an entire, not nation, but an entire, whatever you call it, conglomerate of faggots. We ain't talking cigarettes, YouTube, dump. I don't care.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

No, absolutely you shouldn't care. We have an article from 20 or from 24 plus years ago saying that they needed to start funding more. There's some problems in your neighborhood. You guys need NATO countries start spending more on military, you can go back even further than that. So Europe has known about this problem for a very long time. And by the way, let's go back to the two previous administrations or three ago, Obama, 2014, Crimea. You guys wanna make sure that Russia doesn't feel emboldened and that they can step outside the box a little bit. Don't let them take Crimea. If that really is the red line that you say it is now, why weren't you sending troops in 2014 to make sure that he couldn't keep Crimea and you would push him out completely and put troops all along the border. No, you wanted the United States to act. You wanted the United States to fund it and to send our troops because you guys are a bunch of pansies.

We are busy.

Step up or shut up.

[Steven Crowder]

We're busy everywhere. Because it's the. Everyone. Everyone's. Oh, World police. They never.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I'm done with it.

[Steven Crowder]

You've ever been in an argument with someone who forgets the entire lead up to where you say something that is maybe off color? It's like, well, hold on a second. You're forgetting the part where you asked us to come in, you little shit. You're forgetting the part where you had your hands out. You said that we were. We would be history's greatest moral failure if we didn't step in. For crying out. It's all the time. Okay, okay. You don't want us to meddle. Hey, you're not asking for money in Africa, right? Oh, that's right. We still have. You're furious about that, too. If we don't spend. If we don't spend $500 million. Oh, okay. I'm sorry. That's right. Just. I'm done with it. The policy, and you're seeing it from this administration, is, hey, guess what? No money. You come to us, treat it like International Shark Tank, give us a pitch. The answer's still probably no, but give it your best shot.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

They're acting like a teenage girl gets drunk at a house party, calls her dad to save her, and then he gets there, puts his arm around her. She goes, no, don't. Not in front of my friends.

[Steven Crowder]

That's creepy. But, yes.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

That's an odd, specific reference.

[Steven Crowder]

It's oddly specific if that's the first place you would go.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I believe right now we do have.

[Steven Crowder]

This entire segment on Lawfare. Do we want to go Hexagon? Seth is answering questions at a NATO summit. And by the way, click that button right there to Join Rumble Premium. $99 annually or 9.99amonth. Everything that you get, you've already heard about that the front of the show. Also, it's what allows me to say faggot. I kind of just went for it. We have to hit YouTube dump again because of Rumble Premium. It's what allows me to say, let's watch. The quite manly Hegseth, leader of NATO.

[Pete Hegseth]

Look forward to working very closely with him and his team. And before we're talking about what we've done at the ministerial, I want to reaffirm a few things from this podium. First, as we see it, NATO's strategic objectives are to prevent great power conflict in Europe, deter nuclear and non nuclear aggression and defeat threats to treaty allies should deterrence failure. Second, the US Is committed to building a stronger, more lethal NATO. However, we must ensure that European and Canadian commitment to Article 3 of this treaty is just as strong. Article 3 says that allies, and I quote, by means of continuous and effective self help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack. Leaders of our European allies should take primary responsibility for defense of the continent, which means security ownership by all allies, guided by a clear understanding of strategic realities. And it's an imperative given the strategic realities that we face. And that begins with increasing defense spending. 2% is a start, as President Trump has said, but it's not enough. Nor is 3%. Nor is 4%. More like 5%. Real investment, real urgency. We can talk all we want about values.

[Steven Crowder]

Great deal of back payments in there is what he's saying, but you can't shoot values.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Ooh.

[Pete Hegseth]

You can't shoot flags and you can't shoot strong speeches. There is no replacement for hard power. As much as we may not want to like the world we live in, in some cases there's nothing like hard power this way. If it's the obvious, Secretary, European defense spending Democrats criticism critical, as the President of the United States has said. Also critical is expanding our defense industrial based capacity on both sides of the Atlantic. Our dollars, our euros, our pounds must become real capabilities.

[Steven Crowder]

Right?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Defense Secretary P. Tech said, oh, you.

Don'T want to hear cut out, oh.

[Steven Crowder]

What are you gonna offer to this? What do you have to bring bring to the table? The answer's nothing, by the way. Hold on.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I just want you when he goes, our dollars, our pounds and our. What did he say the other euros. And I love how he left out silly money because he did isolate Canada a minute ago. He's like, basically everybody in Europe and Canada has to make sure they do It. But then he didn't list their silly currency.

Looney Tunis.

[Steven Crowder]

Do we want to go to, do you want to try and go to like a cease or some other place that's covering it or do we want to move on to the Trump executive orders segment where the left.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Let's move on to this and we'll get some highlights for that. But I think what you saw basically right there was like, like do your part. It's your house. Exactly. What you were saying is what he just said to everybody in NATO. And that has not happened in a long time.

[Steven Crowder]

Nope.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Even when Trump was in the White House the first time, he was very hard on them. But we didn't have speeches coming from a guy like that. Like Josh said, that's, that's when you have an infantryman in SecDef position.

Yeah, definitely. Somebody who knows what he's talking about. The whole time that they were doing his hearings and he was nominated for it, that's what they did. They called him a Fox host. Host. We jokingly said it earlier. Former Fox host. You know, like we say former Vice President Biden and all that. But the truth is he's a former infantry major.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

They go, I saw somebody go, oh, it just, that's, here's the difference between our last secretary of defense and this secretary of defense. One is a four star general and blah, blah, blah, blah. And one is just some guy who was in the army. No, he wasn't just some guy in the army. He was a major.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

All right. He was an 04. He was an infantryman. He went on three deployments, I think maybe more. Yeah, at least three deployments. He led men into battle. That's who you want to tell him that speech.

[Steven Crowder]

Yep.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

To all those suits in the room, like you don't know what the hell you're talking about.

[Steven Crowder]

Well, there's a big difference too. There's a different class of general. When you look at people like MacArthur or Patton and you look at some of the generals there at the Pentagon who haven't seen combat this century. This is a guy, whether you're a general or not. Today, a guy like him has actually gone into combat armed this century and has also been a position of authority. Someone who's been in a position of authority but only pushed a pen for the last 20, 30, 40, 50 years may find themselves a little bit out of touch. That's not exclusive to the military. This is, and again, this is, this is a change in tone. And I can't see how the left could be upset if the. You cannot please someone out there who is a Ukraine supporter. Okay. Comment. How could you possibly be supportive of Ukraine and at the same time be upset with what Hegseth just said? You can't be supportive of Ukraine and not expect Europe to take care of its own stuff.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Look, we just want that. We just want more effort, that's all. Yeah, we'll provide some help. But hey, if you guys really want to be serious about this fight, maybe you guys bring some knives.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah, exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

We're going to. Actually, I think we're going to go ahead and find Hegseth. They said that actually they'd like to stay with it. They think that'll be better. And I think we're hearing that from Chad as well. So we'll do that. We'll stay and we'll do this segment next week on the.

[Steven Crowder]

But we had President Trump and we do.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

We'll do.

[Steven Crowder]

And Judge Dred to. For a debate.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Well, they'll reschedule for us. Don't. Don't you worry.

[Steven Crowder]

All right.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I don't know.

[Pete Hegseth]

So the city president will reschedule?

[Steven Crowder]

Yes.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

No, no, no.

[Pete Hegseth]

He.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

He's not busy. He's nice like that.

[Steven Crowder]

We were very much looking forward to President Trump versus Judge Dredd, let's be honest.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yeah, it was gonna be great.

[Steven Crowder]

A lot of work. But we still can do it.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yes. We just have to, you know, find Mr. Hegseth.

[Steven Crowder]

But I. Oh, I thought they had found him.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Oh, working on it right now.

[Steven Crowder]

I'm seeing them going through the tv. Yeah, it's Ella Enchanted. I can.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I can bring it up on the.

[Steven Crowder]

Overlay machine for now if we want.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

All right, let's do that.

[Steven Crowder]

Okay. Bring it up on the overlay machine. Until we get it done, the real.

[Pete Hegseth]

United States shouldn't otherwise make. I just reject that at its face. There's a reason why negotiations are happening right now. Just a few weeks after President Trump was sworn in as president, United States Vladimir Putin responds to strength. In 2014, he invaded Crimea. Not during the presidency of. Of Donald Trump over four years. There was no Russian aggression from 2016 to 2020. In 2022, Vladimir Putin took aggression on Ukraine once again, not while President Trump was president of the United States. So any suggestion that President Trump is doing anything other than negotiating from a position of strength is on its face, ahistorical and false. So when you look at what he may have to give or take, what's in or what's out in those negotiations, we have the perfect dealmaker at the table from a position of strength to deal with both Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. No one's going to get everything that they want, understanding who committed the aggression in the first place. But I challenge anyone else to think of a world leader at this moment who, with credibility and strength, strength, could bring those two leaders to the table and forge a durable peace that ultimately serves the interests of Ukraine, stops the killing and the death which president has been Trump has been clear he wants to do, and hopefully ultimately is guaranteed by strength of Europeans who are there prepared to back it up. Why not invoke Article 5, then, for.

[Steven Crowder]

The NATO peacekeeping forces that could potentially be deployed?

[Pete Hegseth]

Like how does that deter President Putin? Well, I would say I want to be clear about something as it pertains to NATO membership not being realistic outcome for negotiations. That's something that was stated as part of my remarks here as part of a coordination with how.

[Steven Crowder]

Okay, we're going to the these ongoing.

[Pete Hegseth]

HD feed here, being realistic, realistic outcome for negotiations. That's something that was stated as part of my remarks here, as part of a coordination with how we're executing these ongoing negotiations which are led by President Trump. All of that said, these negotiations are led by President Trump. Everything is on the table. In his conversations with Vladimir Putin and Zelensky, what he decides to allow or not allow is that the purview of the leader of the free world, of President Trump. So I'm not going to stand at this podium and declare what President Trump will do or won't do, what will be in or what will be out, what concessions will be made or what concessions are not made. I can look as our team has, what's realistic, likely on an outcome. I think realism is an important part of the conversation that hasn't existed enough.

[Steven Crowder]

How dare you.

[Pete Hegseth]

Inside conversation, conversations amongst friends. But simply pointing out realism, like the borders won't be rolled back to what everybody would like them to be in 2014, is not a concession to Vladimir Putin. It's a recognition of hard power realities on the ground after a lot of investment and sacrifice, first by the Ukrainians and then by allies, and then a realization that a negotiated peace is going to be some sort of demarcation that neither side wants. But it's not my job as the Secretary of Defense to define the parameters of the president of the United States as he leads some of the most.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Complex and complex deploying troops, NATO troops.

[Pete Hegseth]

Is that what you meant, sticking with the US Press?

[Steven Crowder]

We were switching the feed at that point, so I don't remember right in the far right. Look how they put the Zelensky next to this guy.

[Pete Hegseth]

Given the position you've now staked out. What, what leverage? Exactly.

[Steven Crowder]

Real war heroine being left with the.

[Pete Hegseth]

US Plans to wind down its military aid and then quickly cosplay. If a NATO ally is attacked by Russia or any country, will the US unequivocally uphold its obligations under Article 5, regardless of that country's.

[Steven Crowder]

How about the rest of NATO into.

[Pete Hegseth]

The alliance and that's part of the alliance. Right. You point out Article five, you point out Article three. It's just a cheap. I'm not saying it's a cheap coming.

[Steven Crowder]

From you, Mr. Ben Schwartz, but it's.

[Pete Hegseth]

Just a cheap political point to say, oh, we've left all the negotiating cards off the table in. By recognizing some realities that exist on the ground. President Zelensky understands the realities on the ground. President Putin understands the realities on the ground. And President Trump as a dealmaker, as a negotiator understands those dynamics as well. By no means is anything that I stand state here, even though we, we lead the most powerful military in the world. Hemming in, the commander in chief in his negotiations to ultimately decide where it goes or does not go.

[Steven Crowder]

No more cow towing. Barack Obama was bowing to foreign leaders.

[Pete Hegseth]

Oftentimes this guy's going conventional mindset.

[Steven Crowder]

Measure it.

[Pete Hegseth]

Or the legacy media wants to.

[Steven Crowder]

Huge. Although also, by the way, good combo with the cordovan brown shoes and the blue suit looks sharp.

[Pete Hegseth]

Time again finds a way to play chess.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I don't understand what they're saying. That we've pushed out Ukraine in the negotiations. No, we haven't. Talking with both parties right now to say like, hey, you guys need to go to the table.

[Steven Crowder]

Yeah.

[Pete Hegseth]

Conversations that our treasury secretary had in.

[Steven Crowder]

Kiev and I can't stand Putin. Okay. But I really can't stand. But I really can't stand Zelinsky because Putin, he's, you know, I was a scorpion when you, when you met me. The old, the old fable scorpion and the frog. That's Putin. Zelensky kissed Biden's ass and then immediately kissed Trump's ass. We're really glad that it's Biden and then we're really glad that it's Trump. That man has no consistency of principle ever. At least you know that Putin is totalitarian.

[Pete Hegseth]

We might have. Even though we have them. There is something to relationships and deals in real ways, whether militarily or economically or diplomatically, that he sees that are possibilities that could forge together a lot of opportunities to show that Solidarity that Vladimir Putin will clearly recognize.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Look at the difference in NATO. Secretary General Mark Root. Any peace deal must be enduring and talks must involve Ukraine closely. That kind of language.

[Steven Crowder]

Yes.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Versus what Hegseth is saying. Hegseth is saying very clearly. Here's the situation on the ground. What we have to do is realize that that is not going away.

Right?

Right. And he's like the other guy. We need an enduring peace and it must involve them closely. Like these very like ethereal like you can't pin them down on anything. Of course you want it to be enduring. What are you actually saying here?

[Steven Crowder]

Just by the way, you know what? Also, again, like I said earlier, it was kind of joking, but Karine Jean Pierre. Okay. Angry lesbian. Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt. Yes. Feminine. And look what Secretary of Defense. You have a man who was in the military in a position speak. Hey, this is toxic masculinity. A man who speaks with authority and takes no bullcrap. Isn't it wonderful to be back to the. You guys thought that recognizing there are only two genders was just a culture war. Nope. It's the framework of our society. You want to send that guy out there, not the pansies who we had working in the last administration. And the same goes for quite fetching press secretaries.

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, to the first part of your question, that's not ultimately my decision. The president will lead these negotiations alongside our secretary of state, our national security advisor and numerous other officials that will be involved. And ultimately we've played our role in talking to our NATO allies about what that would look like. President Trump, I want to point out I've got the truths right here that he posted. Called Bob, in case we missed it, Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky called them both. Any negotiation that's had will be had with both. I also am very encouraged by what the secretary general has said here. Clearly attune to the realities of the moment, the need for peace, and that the NATO alliance and European members will play a role in that. Ultimately, a small President Trump speaking to those two countries is central to the deal being made. But it affects a lot.

[Steven Crowder]

And you know what? Just think about it. The left doesn't want to solve problems. This man wouldn't be there if Hirono had her way because she. Have you ever had the inappropriate sexual relationship? It could not be less relevant. The guy likes two bourbons before he gets on a flight. Hey, if this is him two bourbons deep, give him another one.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Yep. What's your favorite bottle? We'll send you one.

I Don't understand what NATO has any say in this at all for. It's not a NATO country. Am I, am I crazy?

[Steven Crowder]

It's not for thinking.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Am I being too simplistic to think that, you know, it's been two years of this war. You've tried your best to be, I don't know, whatever kind of arbitrator you think you are. Like, yeah, what, what, what business do you have here? I mean, he's saying it obviously. He's saying, well, NATO was basically using.

[Steven Crowder]

Us as the proxy. In other words, like, well, technically we can't. But they're concerned about if Ukraine gets marched over. Right? So they're concerned about it. So please.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Well, thanks to what it hasn't in.

Yeah.

[Steven Crowder]

Yes. Yeah. So why not?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Why don't, why you just sit down in your poor little chair there. Sit on the ground Indian style from our country. Indians from our country.

Different style.

Okay. And then we'll handle the negotiations, little boy.

[Steven Crowder]

Yes, exactly. We'll do the sitting. But less meth, less not. No.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Some whiskey.

[Steven Crowder]

When you and President Trump speak about raising it to 5%, do you mean you European allies only or do you mean the US as well, which you guys only until you catch up, you red taped glasses.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

What are we at? What are we giving?

3.9 or 3 point?

[Steven Crowder]

We were higher than 4 at one point, I believe. Now it's like 3.3.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Does that include the $175 billion we sent to Ukraine?

[Steven Crowder]

Right, yeah, exactly. That's a good point. And many nations pay far, far less than 1%. So they got to get to 5 then maybe we'll think about upping it once you meet all your back payments. How about that?

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Our 3.9 is also higher than all your fives combined.

[Steven Crowder]

3.3 Europe and just leave and play in place what is necessary for nuclear deterrence. I know there's a revision going on. I don't expect you to name any numbers, but maybe give us an outlook of what we should expect. Thank you.

[Pete Hegseth]

Thank you. I think, I think nobody can or should contest the extent of America's willingness to invest in national security. We have a budget of $850 billion spent on defense. I'm in the business of ensuring that every dollar of that is used wisely. Which is why we're pushing a Pentagon audit and making sure that we're cutting fat so that we've got more to tip of the spear. 3.4% is a very robust investment, larger than most of our allies within NATO. Any defense? Any defense Minister or Secretary of Defense that tells you they wouldn't want more would be lying to you. I understand that. Ultimately we have our own.

[Steven Crowder]

Gosh, guys, commercial. What is we're supposed to pay for the premium? Well, we, we had to watch on.

[Pete Hegseth]

YouTube because it wasn't on the other servers we use.

[Steven Crowder]

Oh, really?

[Pete Hegseth]

Yeah.

[Steven Crowder]

But why. But YouTube is there, all right, at.

[Pete Hegseth]

The $900 billion that America has invested around the globe to include the NATO alliance and saying that's not enough. So ultimately, we are very much committed to the NATO alliance and to our allies, but without burden sharing, without creating the right set of incentives for European countries to invest, then we would be forced to attempt to be everywhere for everybody, all the time, which in a world of fiscal restraints is, again, to get back to that word, reality, just not reality. So, yes, we will continue to spend robustly. Our expectation of our friends, and we say this in solidarity, is you have to spend more on your defense for your country on that continent. Understanding that the American military and the American people stand beside you as we have in NATO, but can't have the expectation of being the permanent guarantor, as I alluded to, from what even Eisenhower observed post World War II.

[Steven Crowder]

Let me ask you really quickly. I'll just pop in here. Does anyone here believe that this guy is anything other than sharp? He's a sharp guy. Everyone here would agree, whether you like him or not, he's sharp. Okay? The reason the left uses the term that's reductive so often is because they hate distillation. They hate effective communication that brings results. Everything is nuance, everything is gray. This guy just gave you some historical context, just gave you current international context and stuck the landing and said, the reality is you have to spend more.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

On your country and call them friends.

Yeah, we expect more of our friends.

[Steven Crowder]

Exactly.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

He made it so like, oh, you shouldn't be guilty. You should feel guilty that you're not helping your friend.

[Steven Crowder]

It's very different from, yeah, we're always going to stand with our allies, and we've been allies for a long time. Reality is you guys got to spend more, start being better friends. That's reductive. Great. Want to bet they're going to start spending more?

[Pete Hegseth]

Shins of the Communist Chinese are a threat to free people everywhere to include America's interests in the Pacific. And it makes a lot of sense just in a combination common sense way to use our comparative advantages. European countries spending here in defense of this continent, in defense of allies here against an aggressor on this continent with ambitions. That strikes me as the right place to. And I don't say that in a condescending way. I say that in a common sense, practical way. Investing in defense on the continent makes sense. We support that as well. It also makes sense comparatively and geographically for the United States, along with allies in the Pacific like Japan and South Korea and the Philippines and Australia and others, to also invest in allies and partners and capabilities in the Pacific to project power there in service of deterrence.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I don't see any German ships in the Pacific.

[Pete Hegseth]

In the Pacific is one that really can only be led by the United States. States we wish we could lead everywhere at all times. We will stand in solidarity with allies and partners and encourage everyone to invest in order to have forced multiplication of what we represent. But it requires realistic conversations. Those with disingenuous motives in the media. I don't mean to look at you. Just saying anyone that suggests its abandonment are trying to drive away wedge between allies. That doesn't.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

I love this guy.

[Steven Crowder]

Good.

[Pete Hegseth]

We are committed to that NATO alliance. We understand the importance of that partnership. But it can't endure on the status quo forever in light of the threats we face and fiscal realities. Europe has to spend more. NATO has to spend more, has to invest more. And we're very encouraged by what the Secretary General has said and frankly, by behind closed doors, what a lot of our allies have said as well, acknowledging that reaction. And that's why when I say make NATO great again, it's what President Trump set out to do in 2017. The press said President Trump is abandoning NATO. He's turning his back on our NATO allies. That's what the headlines read in 2017 and 2018. What actually happened? That tough conversation. Spending increase created even more investment. Investment to the point where now almost every NATO country is meeting the 2% goal. That was said to be egregious when he first said it.

[Steven Crowder]

Yep, Absolutely. There were many nations that were spending 6.9, 1.2. It wasn't even close. You can search the archive and see our entire segment on that as it happened in 2017. Don't buy the lies. We're going to continue with this, but I should let you know, too, if you are not a Rumble Premium member, you're going to miss tomorrow. Tomorrow, Gerald Morgan actually has a special Mud club undercover exposing. Okay, exposing a proactive agenda in the church with the LGBTQ alliance. I know you thought this was a conspiracy. Isn't it crazy now that you realize our tax dollars were literally trying to convince people to be gay that actually in Serbia. You tell me how you get go try and be gay in Serbia, let alone be elected as a representative. We now know. We now know. Thanks, Doge. So you're gonna be talking about that. We have some exclusive undercover footage tomorrow at 10 live.

[Unknown (possibly a co-host or guest)]

Can we blast that tune again before we go? Well, before when you're done.

[Steven Crowder]

Okay, so continue. But before, before, no, not before we're done because we actually, we're gonna watch really quickly. We're gonna break from, from Hegseth continue, of course, on chat Thursday. But actually there's we're gonna present a review here as well. The Madam President in this film, G20, played by Viola Davis, she's I guess an action hero. And so I was told not to watch this because they wanted me to flip my live. Madam President. No, I hate it already.