The White House Betrays Ukraine

Summary

The video argues that the Trump administration’s handling of Ukraine and other recent actions reflect a broader pattern of compromising national security, corruption, and disregard for democratic institutions.

Starlink and Ukraine

The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk ordered SpaceX to slow Starlink service in Ukraine, disrupting some Ukrainian drones used to intercept Russian missiles and strike Russian targets. It remains unclear whether Musk acted independently or in coordination with the White House.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described SpaceX’s decision as a matter of its terms of service. After public backlash, SpaceX and the White House reportedly coordinated their messaging and said the slowdown had been agreed to in advance. Richardson compares Musk’s apparent ability to affect the course of the war to Benedict Arnold’s betrayal and suggests the White House may be trying to shift blame to Musk for a decision it had supported.

Pardon and lobbying concerns

The New York Times reported that Venezuelan banker Julio Herrera Velutini received a presidential pardon shortly after former Trump lawyer Alina Habba began working for a company launched by Herrera’s daughter. Habba’s contract was reportedly worth more than $50 million over four years.

Habba denied involvement in the pardon. However, people familiar with the contract reportedly believed she had been hired to help secure it.

Disaster response and the press

FEMA administrator Cameron Hamilton said the administration plans to shift more disaster-response responsibility to state and local governments, reducing federal involvement.

Separately, reports said Trump wants to move the press out of the White House and restore the briefing room to its former use as a swimming pool. Richardson says removing the press from the White House would carry symbolic significance because its presence near the executive branch reflects the role of a free press in a democracy.

Farm aid and election politics

Trump announced $8 billion in prospective aid for farmers facing high fuel and other costs, with payments expected no earlier than late November or December. Officials reportedly said the account intended to fund the payments lacks sufficient money, meaning Congress would need to add funds or the administration would need to redirect money. Agricultural groups say farmers need at least $50 billion.

Richardson presents the announcement as an effort to shore up Republican support ahead of the midterms. Trump also promised year-round sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol if Kansas voters reelect Senator Roger Marshall.

Congressional response

Representative Jim Himes said that, after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other lawmakers, he was alarmed by Ukraine’s shortages of missile interceptors and the effects of the Starlink slowdown.

Himes blamed the situation on Trump and Musk and urged Congress to pass veto-proof legislation providing Ukraine with military aid and access to Starlink. He said Congress should override what he described as Trump’s desire for a Russian victory.

Presenter and contributors

Heather Cox Richardson wrote and narrated the video. It was produced by Soundscape Productions in Massachusetts, with music composed by Michael Moss.

Journalists whose reporting is cited include Alexander Ward, Natalie Andrews, Josh Dawsey, Jennifer Jacobs, Tyler Pager, Thomas Frank, Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan, Kevin Draper, Meredith Lee Hill, and Grace Yarrow.