PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 18th, 2025: Report: Trump Discussing A Weapons 'Mega-Deal' With Zelensky & Mexico Threatens Legal Action Against ICE

Summary

The President's Daily Brief: PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 18th, 2025

Hosted by Mike Baker | Released on July 18, 2025

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Introduction

In the latest episode of The President's Daily Brief hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, listeners are presented with a comprehensive analysis of two pressing international issues: a potential weapons mega-deal between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and rising tensions between the United States and Mexico following a tragic incident involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This summary delves into the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode, enriched with notable quotes and precise timestamps for reference.

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1. Trump and Zelensky's Potential Weapons Mega-Deal

A. Thawing Relations and Strategic Collaboration

At the heart of today's briefing is the evolving relationship between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which is paving the way for a significant weapons deal aimed at enhancing aerial technology on both sides. Mike Baker opens this segment at [00:00], highlighting Trump's shift in policy:

Mike Baker ([02:15]): "President Trump's once frosty relationship with Ukrainian President Zelensky continues to thaw, opening the door for a weapons deal that could help transform the Pentagon's lagging drone program."

B. Details of the Mega-Deal

The proposed agreement involves the exchange of battlefield-tested Ukrainian drones for a substantial package of American-made weaponry. Zelensky elaborates on this in an exclusive interview:

Volodymyr Zelensky ([03:30]): "The people of America need this technology and you need to have it in your arsenal. I think this is really a megadeal, a win-win, as they say."

This collaboration promises to infuse modern drone technology into the U.S. military, addressing current deficiencies highlighted during a recent Alaskan drone testing drill where American forces struggled to intercept prototype drones ([05:10]).

C. Pentagon's Drone Technology Shortcomings

Critical insights are provided by a Pentagon official through a Defense Innovation unit project manager, who candidly acknowledges:

Pentagon Project Manager ([06:00]): "We aren't giving the American warfighter what they need to survive warfare today. If we had to go to war tomorrow, do we have what we need? No."

This admission underscores the urgency for technological advancements, positioning the proposed deal with Ukraine as a strategic imperative.

D. Ukrainian Drone Warfare Prowess

Ukraine's adept use of drones has been instrumental in countering Russian aggression. Notable operations include:

• Operation Spiderweb ([07:45]): Launched in early June, this mission saw Ukraine deploy 117 drones equipped with AI-guided precision munitions, resulting in the destruction of dozens of Russian strategic bombers and inflicting approximately $7 billion in damages.

• Long-Range Strikes ([07:10]): Drones were flown 800 miles into Russia, successfully targeting and demolishing a Russian anti-aircraft missile plant.

These operations not only demonstrate Ukraine's advanced drone capabilities but also highlight the strategic advantages they offer, prompting interest from the Chinese military observation teams ([07:00]).

E. U.S. Military's Response and Future Implications

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, commends Ukrainian innovation:

Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg ([04:50]): "I saw firsthand how Ukrainian made drones are being built and developed. Incredible innovation. Our defense industrial base in the US should take notice and adapt."

This endorsement signifies potential shifts in U.S. military procurement and development strategies, emphasizing the need to learn from Ukraine's battlefield experiences.

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2. Mexico's Threat of Legal Action Against ICE

A. Background of the Incident

Shifting focus south of the border, Mike Baker addresses the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Mexico following a tragic event during an ICE raid at a California cannabis farm ([08:18]). On July 10, ICE agents conducted raids on multiple cannabis facilities, leading to the arrest of over 360 individuals, including 10 undocumented minors. During one of these raids, migrant worker Jaime Alanis Garcia tragically fell approximately 30 feet from a greenhouse roof, resulting in fatal injuries.

B. Mexican Government's Response

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly condemned the actions of ICE, asserting that such operations foster chaos and fear among migrants. At a press conference, Sheinbaum stated:

Claudia Sheinbaum ([09:00]): "The actions of ICE agents are unacceptable. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently reviewing the matter. Our solidarity and support go to the family, and there must not be another case like this one."

Her administration is contemplating legal action against ICE, marking a significant diplomatic strain ([09:20]).

C. Details of the Raid and Aftermath

The raids aimed to dismantle large-scale marijuana operations suspected of employing undocumented workers. However, the operation was marred by violence as protesters clashed with ICE agents, leading to the deployment of tear gas and flashbangs. In one instance, a protester fired a gun towards federal agents, though fortunately, no injuries were reported from the firearm discharge ([08:50]).

D. Broader Implications for U.S.-Mexico Relations

This incident exacerbates existing tensions related to illegal immigration and the cross-border smuggling of fentanyl. President Trump has vowed to implement a 30% tariff on Mexican goods by August 1st if Mexico fails to mitigate the influence of powerful drug cartels. This move is in response to the persistent opioid crisis, which continues to decimate American communities:

• Opioid Overdose Deaths: Over 100,000 Americans died in both 2022 and 2023 due to drug overdoses, with 70% involving opioids like fentanyl. Although there was a slight decline to 55,000 in 2024, recent CDC reports indicate a worrying resurgence.

Trump's administration critiques Mexico's efforts, despite her praise from the President:

Mike Baker ([09:10]): "President Trump has praised Sheinbaum for her help in reducing illegal border crossings, yet he states that Mexico has not done enough to combat fentanyl trafficking."

E. Potential for U.S. Legal Action

The notion of Mexico initiating legal proceedings against ICE raises questions about reciprocal legal actions. As Mexico scrutinizes ICE's methods and the resulting fatalities, it opens the door for a broader dialogue on accountability and cross-border law enforcement practices ([09:45]).

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Conclusion

The July 18th episode of The President's Daily Brief sheds light on pivotal developments shaping international relations and national security. The potential weapons mega-deal between Trump and Zelensky signifies a strategic pivot to bolster U.S. drone capabilities by leveraging Ukrainian battlefield innovations. Concurrently, the tragic incident involving ICE underscores the fraught nature of U.S.-Mexico relations, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement and its broader socio-political ramifications. As these narratives unfold, they underscore the intricate balance of diplomacy, defense, and humanitarian concerns that continue to define global politics today.

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For further insights and extended analysis, listeners are encouraged to engage with premium content available through The President's Daily Brief. Stay informed and stay safe.

Transcript

[Mike Baker]

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It's an interesting thought that litigation and legal action makes you wonder if the US could take legal action against Mexico for all the deaths caused by the fentanyl crossing the border. But first, today's afternoon spotlight. President Trump's once frosty relationship with Ukrainian President Zelensky continues to thaw, opening the door for a weapons deal that could help transform the Pentagon's lagging drone program. Now, as we've been tracking on the pdb, the president already pivoted on sharing advanced US Weapons with Ukraine earlier this week. And now, well, the pair are reportedly discussing a weapons megadeal to help modernize each other's aerial technology. Zelensky teased the development in an exclusive interview with the New York Post published on Thursday, saying the U.S. is considering buying battle tested Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kiev purchasing a large package of unspecified American weaponry. As part of the potential breakthrough deal, Kiev is offering to share with the Pentagon everything that it has learned about modern warfare over the course of the more than three year conflict with Russia. And that's quite a bit where drones have emerged as arguably the most important battlefield tool. Zelensky told the Post, quote, the people of America need this technology and you need to have it in your arsenal. I think this is really a megadeal, a win win, as they say, end quote. Now it would certainly be a considerable boon for the US Military as US Drone technology is currently far behind that of Russia and China. National security officials and drone experts have warned that American troops are currently ill equipped to effectively fight a drone based war or defend against the technologies being Honed by America's top adversaries, calling it a major blind spot for the Department of Defense. The shortcomings of America's drone technology were put on full display during a testing drill just last month in Alaska. During that exercise, which tested both defensive and offensive capabilities, American troops and private contractors repeatedly failed to intercept prototype drones. Test launches of prototype drones proved also just as disastrous, with many failing to launch or missing their targets entirely. The project manager of the autonomy portfolio at the Pentagon's Defense Innovation unit recently told the New York Times, quote, we all know the same thing. We aren't giving the American warfighter what they need to survive warfare today. He added, quote, if we had to go to war tomorrow, do we have what we need? No, he answered, end quote. But out of necessity, Kiev has become an expert in drone warfare. Despite Russia's domestic production of Iranian style shahed suicide drones used in the Kremlin's relentless aerial bombardments on Ukraine keeps, creative use of drone technology has helped their military keep Moscow on the back foot. In May, for example, Ukraine used an updated marine drone to successfully destroy a Russian Su30 fighter jet over the Black Sea. And in July, Ukraine flew a drone some 800 miles into Russia, successfully blowing up a Russian anti aircraft missile plant. But their most impressive display came in early June of this year when Ukraine pulled off an audacious operation that destroyed dozens of Russian strategic bombers stationed at four separate military bases deep in the heart of Russian territory. Dubbed Operation Spiderweb, Kyiv launched 117 Ukrainian drones, guided by artificial intelligence tools and armed with precision munitions. The strikes, which involved 18 months of intensive planning, reportedly disabled nearly a third of Russia's cruise missile bomber fleet and caused roughly $7 billion worth of damage, dealing an embarrassing blow to the Putin regime. The attack showed a level of sophistication on the part of Ukrainian intelligence that stunned even Kiev's closest allies, particularly as the drones were assembled and launched from inside Russia. The Pentagon is eager to learn from Keeves battlefield insights. Now, on the other side of the fence, we know that the Chinese military has been observing keenly what Russia has been doing on the battlefield in terms of drone warfare. In particular, drones offer a low cost but highly effective tool for modern warfare, which is increasingly fought in the skies. Zelensky noted that drones have been the key to fending off Russia's aggression, making up for the fact that Russia's military significantly outnumbers Ukraine's. Zelensky told the Post, quote, we will be ready to share this experience with America and other European partners. While The White House has not commented on a potential drone deal. Earlier this week, retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, toured Ukrainian defense facilities and he praise on their rapid advancements in drone technology. Kellogg said, quote, I saw firsthand how Ukrainian made drones are being built and developed. Incredible innovation. Our defense industrial base in the US should take notice and adapt. All right, up next, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum threatens legal actions against ice. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here. I want to take just a few moments of your time to talk about your online security because that is critically important. Look, right now you look at the headlines, well they're chock full of data breaches, regulatory rollbacks and frankly all that can make us more vulnerable. 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[Mike Baker]

Welcome back to the Afternoon Bulletin. Turning our attention to south of the US Border, the Trump administration's aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration is causing some diplomatic friction with leaders in Mexico. Earlier this week, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government is exploring a lawsuit against U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, after the death of a migrant worker during a raid at a cannabis farm in California last week, in which sparked significant controversy. To bring you up to speed, ICE agents carried out two raids on July 10 at cannabis farms in Southern California, including at one of the largest marijuana grow operations in the world, after receiving reports that they were hiring and harboring a number of undocumented workers. According to a report from a local ABC affiliate, more than 360 people were arrested between the two raids, making it one of the largest immigration operations carried out under President Trump's administration. At least 10 undocumented minors were found at one of the cannabis facilities, and the farm is now under investigation for possible child labor violations. But during that raid, a migrant worker fell some 30ft from the roof of a greenhouse, breaking his neck and skull. The man, identified as Jaime Alanis Garcia, was quickly hospitalized but later died from his injuries. Now, he may have been attempting to evade federal agents raiding the property, though the Department of Homeland Security said he was not being chased by ICE at the time of his fall. A spokesman for DHS said, quote, this man was not in and has not been in CBP or ICE custody, although he was not being pursued by law enforcement. This individual climbed up to the roof of a greenhouse and then fell some 30ft. CBP immediately called a medevac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible. But the tragic incident has provoked fury in Mexico. Garcia's family is demanding action from the Mexican government, accusing ICE of stoking chaos and fear among migrants during their crackdowns on illegal immigration. At a press conference earlier this week, Mexican President Sheinbaum called the actions of ICE agents, quote, unacceptable and said her government was, quote, exploring the possibility of filing a complaint. Sheinbaum added, quote, the Ministry of Foreign affairs is currently reviewing the matter. It's very unfortunate that this happened. All our solidarity and support go to the family and, and there must not be another case like this one. That's why the complaint must be filed in the courts over there, end quote. Now, the raid brought its own set of challenges for ICE agents, who have been increasingly targeted with violence as they attempt to carry out their mission. During the raid of the cannabis farm, a group of protesters clashed with ICE agents, prompting law enforcement to deploy tear gas and flashbangs to disperse the crowd. Some protesters then began hurling rocks at law enforcement and and one demonstrator reportedly fired a gun towards federal agents, though no injuries were reported from that shooting. Illegal immigration, along with the smuggling of the deadly opioid fentanyl across the southern border, continues to be the major flashpoint in U.S. mexico relations. While President Trump has praised Sheinbaum for her help in reducing illegal border crossings, he said Wednesday that the country has still not done enough to combat fentanyl trafficking. As a reminder, drug overdoses continue to plague US communities, claiming the lives of more than 100,000Americans in both 2022 and 2023, with 70% of those deaths involving opioids like fentanyl. Opioid related overdose deaths declined slightly in 2024 to roughly 55,000. But a CDC report from June warned that drug deaths are once again on the rise. Trump is certain to impose a 30% tariff on Mexico by 1 August if the government doesn't do more to rein in the country's powerful drug cartels. And that, my friends, is the PDB Afternoon bulletin for Friday the 18th of July. Now, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at pdb@the firsttv.com of course to listen to the show ad free. Well, you know you can do that. Just become a premium member of the President's Daily Brief by visiting PDB premium.com and make sure to check out the latest episode of our extended weekend show, the PDB Situation Report that hits the airwaves this evening at 10pm on the First TV. You can also catch it and past episodes on our YouTube channel. Check that out and subscribe. You can find our YouTube channel at President's Daily Brief, as well as on all your favorite podcast platforms. I'm Mike Baker, and I'll be back over the weekend with the PDB Situation Report. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.