Today, Explained: "Vatever you vant, Vladimir" – Detailed Summary

Episode Overview In the February 20, 2025 episode of Today, Explained titled "Vatever you vant, Vladimir," hosts Sean Ramaswamy and Noel King delve into the shifting dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations under the Trump administration. Central to the discussion is the controversial appointment of Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of U.S. Intelligence, her alleged sympathies towards Russia, and the broader implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

1. Changing U.S.-Russia Relations Under Trump

Introduction to the New Normal

Sean Ramaswamy opens the episode by highlighting a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy:

“[00:00] Sean Ramaswamy: ...the United States being on Ukraine's side of this war. On Today Explained we're getting used to this new normal being BFFs with Russia.”

He references President Trump's recent phone call with Vladimir Putin, noting the exclusion of Ukraine from the dialogue and Trump's subsequent statements blaming Ukraine for Russia's invasion:

“[00:00] ...Trump blamed Ukraine for being invaded by Russia. And then ... he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator without elections.”

This sets the stage for discussing the unexpected rapprochement between the U.S. and Russia, breaking away from traditional alliances.

2. Tulsi Gabbard's Appointment as Director of U.S. Intelligence

A Controversial Choice

The episode shifts focus to Tulsi Gabbard's appointment:

“[01:56] Sean Ramaswamy: ...our top spy in the United States has a soft spot for Vladimir Putin.”

Matthew Luxmore introduces concerns about Gabbard's qualifications and potential biases:

“[01:56] ...some people sincerely believe she's a straight up Russian operative.”

Background and Allegations

Gabbard's history is scrutinized, emphasizing allegations of her being a Russia sympathizer:

“[02:16] Matthew Luxmore: That is a charge that's been leveled against her.”

Her legal actions against Hillary Clinton and statements suggesting Ukrainian provocations against Russia are highlighted:

“[02:20] Tulsi Gabbard: ...try to smear my character.”

“[02:45] Tulsi Gabbard: ...some of these European NATO countries are fueling this war.”

3. Tulsi Gabbard's Political Trajectory and Background

From Hawaii Politics to the Intelligence Community

Matthew Luxmore provides an in-depth look into Gabbard's past:

“[03:52] ...raised in Hawaii by parents involved in a religious community derived from Hare Krishna.”

Her early political involvement included protesting against the establishment of gay marriage rights, aligning with her later shift towards conservative politics:

“[05:04] ...protesting against the establishment of gay marriage rights in Hawaii.”

Gabbard's military service post-9/11 and her transformative experiences in Iraq are discussed, shaping her views on American power and foreign policy:

“[05:32] Tulsi Gabbard: ...only sending them on missions that are worthy of their sacrifice.”

Political Shifts and Alignment with Trump

Her departure from the Democratic Party and eventual alignment with Donald Trump are chronicled:

“[08:15] ...Trump, I think, is attracted to her leadership and why she's aligned with Donald Trump's agenda...”

Gabbard's endorsement of Trump and subsequent switch to the Republican Party are pivotal moments leading to her intelligence director appointment:

“[09:08] Tulsi Gabbard: I'm proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I'm joining the Republican Party.”

4. Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Intelligence

Reform and Retaliation within Intelligence

Sean Ramaswamy introduces Steve Call from The Economist to analyze the potential shifts:

“[03:43] Sean Ramaswamy: ...how that might shift the course of U.S. foreign policy.”

Gabbard's mandate includes implementing executive orders aimed at purging disloyal elements within the intelligence community:

“[10:42] Tulsi Gabbard: ...you take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you.”

This indicates a possible overhaul of existing intelligence frameworks, aligning them more closely with Trump's strategic interests.

Role in the Ukraine War

The episode examines how Gabbard's leadership may influence U.S. strategy in the Ukraine conflict:

“[12:17] Matthew Luxmore: ...she was aligned with President Trump's assessments of Putin as someone he could do business with.”

Her stance suggests a pivot away from unequivocal support for Ukraine, potentially seeking a détente with Russia.

5. The Ukraine War and U.S. Policy Shifts

Trump Administration's Approach

Pete Hegseth discusses the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate directly with Russia, sidelining traditional allies:

“[17:10] ...bringing the Kremlin leader in from the cold after three years of isolation by Biden's administration.”

The proposed meeting in Saudi Arabia raises eyebrows among European allies and Ukrainian officials, highlighting a lack of a clear peace strategy:

“[18:25] Pete Hegseth: ...Ukraine until recently was saying that it's going to regain at least a large part of the land that it lost.”

European and Ukrainian Reactions

The episode captures the tension and uncertainty among European nations and Ukraine regarding the U.S.'s new diplomatic direction:

“[20:51] Matthew Luxmore: France is not preparing to send ground troops as belligerents in a conflict to the front line.”

Zelenskyy's skepticism towards Trump's motives underscores the fraught nature of these policy shifts:

“[23:07] Tulsi Gabbard: ...the US Side deserves to have something back and it will give no more, as Trump puts it, aid for nothing to Ukraine.”

6. On-the-Ground Sentiments in Ukraine

Tensions and Uncertainty in Kyiv

Pete Hegseth provides insights from Kyiv, capturing the local populace's mixed emotions:

“[25:18] ...a mixture between defiance, resignation, caution over what this all means.”

Zelenskyy's recent silence in video addresses hints at underlying frustrations and growing instability:

“[25:08] ...Zelenskyy does appear to be flustered and frustrated because I think he's struggling to understand how to respond to this whole situation.”

7. Conclusion: A New Chapter in U.S.-Russia Relations

The episode wraps up by emphasizing the unprecedented nature of Tulsi Gabbard's appointment and its potential to redefine U.S. intelligence and foreign policy. The alignment with Trump’s pro-Russia stance marks a significant departure from previous administrations, raising concerns among traditional allies and within the intelligence community.

“[26:20] Sean Ramaswamy: ...the rest of the team ... mixed. We use music by Breakmaster Cylinder.”

Notable Quotes

• Sean Ramaswamy [00:00]:

  "Today Explained we're getting used to this new normal being BFFs with Russia."

• Tulsi Gabbard [02:45]:

  "The United States and some of these European NATO countries are fueling this war."

• Tulsi Gabbard [05:32]:

  "I enlisted in the army because of the horrific terrorist attack on September 11th and volunteered to deploy to Iraq in 2005."

• Tulsi Gabbard [09:08]:

  "I'm proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I'm joining the Republican Party."

• Pete Hegseth [17:59]:

  "We expect that he'll come here and I'll go there."

• Tulsi Gabbard [10:42]:

  "You take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Today, Explained sheds light on a transformative period in U.S. foreign policy, marked by controversial appointments and shifting alliances. Tulsi Gabbard's role as Director of U.S. Intelligence, coupled with Trump's direct engagement with Putin, suggests a reorientation of strategies concerning Russia and the Ukraine conflict. The long-term repercussions of these moves remain to be seen, with significant implications for international relations and global stability.