Podcast Summary: The Tucker Carlson Show – "Ukraine Is Selling American Weapons to Mexican Drug Cartels. Col. Daniel Davis on How to Stop It"

Host: Tucker Carlson
Guest: Colonel Douglas Macgregor
Release Date: February 10, 2025

I. Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, host Tucker Carlson engages in a deep and critical conversation with retired Colonel Douglas Macgregor. The discussion centers on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the United States' role in exacerbating the war, and alarming claims that Ukraine is diverting American-supplied weapons to Mexican drug cartels.

II. U.S. Policy and the War in Ukraine

[00:21] Colonel Douglas Macgregor initiates the dialogue by asserting that former President Donald Trump’s promise to end "nonsense wars" heavily influenced his election. Macgregor criticizes the Biden administration for its handling of the Ukraine situation, suggesting that poorly made decisions have prolonged the conflict and weakened America’s global standing.

[00:43] Tucker Carlson echoes these sentiments, arguing that the war could have been avoided if previous administrations had effectively implemented the Minsk Agreements. He highlights that Western leaders like Angela Merkel and Hollande never intended for these agreements to be fully realized, as they were primarily designed to stall Russian advances rather than provide a lasting solution.

III. The Minsk Agreements and Crimea

[02:09] Macgregor delves into the failures of the Minsk Agreements, emphasizing that key provisions, such as granting political autonomy to Russian-speaking populations in eastern Ukraine, were never implemented by Ukraine. This lack of adherence gave Russia the pretext to intervene militarily.

[03:38] The conversation shifts to Crimea, where Carlson provides historical context, explaining that Crimea was historically Russian and was transferred to Ukraine by Nikita Khrushchev during the Soviet era. He cites a 2014 plebiscite where 95% of Crimeans voted to join Russia, dismissing claims that Crimea should be returned to Ukraine.

IV. U.S. Military Support and Weapon Diversion

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the alleged misuse of American-supplied weapons by Ukrainian forces:

[34:22] Macgregor claims that up to half of the weapons provided by the U.S. to Ukraine are being sold to Mexican drug cartels. He expresses frustration that mainstream media outlets like The New York Times are not adequately reporting these activities, suggesting a cover-up or ignorance from U.S. intelligence agencies.

[35:22] Carlson questions how such significant diversion of military aid could occur without detection, emphasizing the potential national security risks posed by these weapons falling into the hands of criminal organizations.

V. Leadership and Policy Failures

[07:25] Macgregor criticizes high-ranking officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, for their roles in perpetuating the conflict. He accuses them of misleading the public about the efficacy of U.S. support for Ukraine and blames them for the high casualty rates and economic burdens resulting from the war.

[32:44] The discussion intensifies as Carlson labels Blinken a "liar" and accuses him of deceit, reinforcing the narrative that the Biden administration has mismanaged U.S. involvement in Ukraine.

VI. Recommendations for Ending the War

Looking forward, Macgregor and Carlson propose that incoming President Trump adopt a pragmatic approach to end the war:

• [24:21] Macgregor highlights the complexity of ending the conflict but emphasizes the need for immediate and rational action to prevent further loss of life and economic strain.

• [24:49] Carlson suggests that Trump should acknowledge Russia’s red lines, specifically the June 15 territorial demands, and agree to cease NATO expansion into Ukraine. This concession, they argue, would remove the primary justification for Russian aggression and pave the way for the war’s termination.

[39:32] Macgregor further advises that Trump should leverage diplomatic channels to secure peace, even if it means making significant concessions to Russia. He believes that rebuilding relations with Russia is essential for long-term global stability.

VII. Broader Implications: Military Readiness and Societal Issues

The conversation also touches on the broader impact of prolonged U.S. involvement in Ukraine:

• [49:05] Macgregor expresses concern over the depletion of U.S. military resources, such as armored vehicles and missile systems, which could compromise national defense capabilities against potential adversaries like China or North Korea.

• [50:46] Discussions on military recruitment reveal Macgregor’s disapproval of integrating women into combat roles, arguing that it undermines military effectiveness. He shares a controversial perspective on gender roles within the military, emphasizing traditional views on defense and protection.

VIII. Conclusion

[67:26] As the episode draws to a close, Macgregor and Carlson reiterate their belief that the Biden administration’s policies have disastrously impacted U.S. interests and military strength. They advocate for significant leadership changes and policy reforms to restore America’s global standing and ensure national security.

[67:09] Carlson concludes with a hopeful outlook on Trump’s potential leadership, expressing optimism that Trump can rectify the current administration’s mistakes and guide the nation toward a more secure and prosperous future.

Notable Quotes

• Colonel Douglas Macgregor ([00:21]): "Today, Trump gets elected not exclusively, but heavily on the promise. No more of these nonsense wars that are draining the treasury, getting Americans killed, making America weaker globally."

• Tucker Carlson ([00:43]): "We now know that the Minsk Agreements were never meant to be fully implemented. They were just to buy Ukraine time to defend against Russia."

• Macgregor ([34:22]): "Ukrainian military is selling a huge percentage, up to half of the arms that we send them. Half. And they're selling it to our actual enemies."

• Carlson ([24:49]): "We've sent so many armored vehicles and interceptor missiles to Ukraine that we don't even have a handful left."

• Macgregor ([39:13]): "U.S. policymakers completely destroyed Ukraine. They pushed this where they started this war."

• Carlson ([67:26]): "History will love Trump if he improves our country. And that's what I hope we see."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a critical viewpoint on U.S. involvement in Ukraine, highlighting perceived strategic failures and corruption within military aid distribution. The discussion emphasizes the need for leadership reform and strategic diplomacy to resolve ongoing conflicts and restore national security. While the perspectives presented are contentious and reflect a specific ideological stance, they contribute to the broader discourse on foreign policy and military strategy.