What a Day: What Happens If the U.S. Sells Out Ukraine Hosted by Jane Coaston | Released on February 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Coaston delves into pressing issues shaping the geopolitical landscape and domestic politics in the United States. From President Donald Trump's controversial stance on the war in Ukraine to the corruption case surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Elon Musk's latest endeavors, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of events impacting both national and international spheres.

Trump’s Controversial Approach to the Ukraine War

The episode opens with a critical examination of President Donald Trump's recent actions and statements regarding the war in Ukraine. Jane Coaston highlights Trump's unconventional strategy, which appears to prioritize placating Russia over supporting Ukraine.

At [00:25], Jane announces:

"Let's spend hundreds of millions of dollars on TV ads to tell kids how bad drugs are. This has never been tried before."

However, the focus quickly shifts to Trump's comments on Ukraine:

"[02:13] Donald Trump: 'They modestly successful comedian President Zelensky talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion to go into a war that basically couldn't be won, that never had to start.'"

Trump continues to undermine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, questioning his legitimacy and leadership amidst ongoing conflict:

"[02:32] Donald Trump: 'It's hard to be Somebody said, oh, no, his polls are good. Give me a break. Every city is being demolished.'"

These remarks are part of Trump's broader strategy to normalize relations with Russia, the aggressor in the conflict, while marginalizing Ukraine's role and sovereignty.

In-Depth Discussion with Julia Ioffi

To provide expert insight, Jane converses with Julia Ioffi, founding partner and Washington correspondent at Puck News, who offers a critical perspective on the evolving U.S. foreign policy.

At [04:19], Julia explains:

"We're no longer talking about NATO. We're not talking about the EU, Emmanuel Macron, or the Christian Democrats in Germany. We're talking about Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban of Hungary, the AfD in Germany."

Julia emphasizes that the current administration's alignment with ideologically similar leaders like Putin signifies a dramatic shift away from traditional American allies. She warns that sidelining Ukraine not only undermines a key ally but also emboldens Russia's aggressive ambitions.

Further, Julia draws historical parallels to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, suggesting that abandoning Ukraine could lead to a resurgence of guerrilla warfare and persistent instability:

"[06:48] Julia Ioffi: 'Ukraine has a history of guerrilla war... If Ukraine becomes Afghanistan 2.0, as Zelenskyy says, it would mean another flood of refugees into Europe and further destabilization.'"

She also highlights the potential catastrophic consequences for Europe and global politics if the U.S. continues to prioritize relations with authoritarian leaders over its democratic allies.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams Corruption Case

Shifting focus to domestic issues, Jane covers the ongoing corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Initially charged with bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy, Adams' case took a dramatic turn when the Trump administration decided to drop the charges.

At [15:18], Jane reports:

"A top Department of Justice official was in Manhattan court Wednesday to justify the decision to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams."

Trump's acting deputy attorney general, Emile Beauvais, argued that prosecuting Adams would hinder his ability to enforce the president's immigration policies. This decision sparked outrage, leading to the resignation of several department prosecutors in protest. Adams maintains his innocence:

"[16:00] Jane Coston: 'I have not committed a crime.'"

The situation remains unresolved, with Governor Kathy Hochul contemplating using her authority to remove Adams from office, potentially leading to significant political repercussions in New York.

Trump’s Executive Order and Legal Challenges

Jane then discusses Trump's latest executive order aimed at increasing White House control over independent regulatory agencies. The order intends to streamline oversight and align agency actions with presidential priorities.

At [17:06], Donald Trump states:

"'Reestablishes the longstanding norm that only the president or the attorney general can speak for the United States when stating an opinion as to what the law is.'"

The executive order mandates that independent agencies submit proposed regulations for White House review and grants the administration the power to block funding for projects that do not align with its agenda.

However, this move has faced immediate legal challenges. Civil rights groups, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Lambda Legal, have filed a lawsuit claiming that the order discriminates against Black and transgender Americans and infringes upon constitutional rights. Jane summarizes the response:

"A White House spokesman said... 'lawsuits like this one are, quote, nothing more than an extension of the left's resistance.'"

The outcome of these legal battles remains uncertain, with significant implications for the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory bodies.

Elon Musk’s $5,000 Check Proposal

The episode also touches on Elon Musk's involvement in a proposal to send financial checks to Americans as a response to government budget cuts. Despite Trump's praise of Musk at a Saudi investor conference, public opinion remains largely unfavorable towards the tech mogul.

At [19:55], Donald Trump mentions:

"'The numbers are incredible, Elon. So many billions of dollars... we're thinking about giving 20% back to the American citizens and 20% down to pay back debt.'"

A Pew Research Center survey cited by Jane reveals:

"Just over half of American adults have an unfavorable view of Musk."

Jane provides a critical analysis of the feasibility of Musk's proposal, noting earlier statements where Musk scaled back the ambitious goal of $2 trillion in budget cuts to a more realistic estimate. She cautions listeners about the potential drawbacks of such populist financial solutions, highlighting the complexities involved in government budgeting and the potential need to cut essential programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Jane Coaston navigates complex and interrelated issues, from international conflicts and shifting alliances to domestic political scandals and executive overreach. By engaging with expert voices like Julia Ioffi, the show provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing both the United States and the global community.

What a Day continues to position itself as a vital source of in-depth reporting and analysis, ensuring that listeners stay informed about the critical matters shaping our world.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [02:13]: "They modestly successful comedian President Zelensky talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion to go into a war that basically couldn't be won, that never had to start."

• Julia Ioffi [04:19]: "We're no longer talking about NATO... We're talking about Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban of Hungary, the AfD in Germany."

• Donald Trump [17:06]: "Reestablishes the longstanding norm that only the president or the attorney general can speak for the United States when stating an opinion as to what the law is."

• Julia Ioffi [06:48]: "If Ukraine becomes Afghanistan 2.0, as Zelenskyy says, it would mean another flood of refugees into Europe and further destabilization."

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