Maddow Blog

03/10/2025

As jarring as this is on its face, the developments appear even worse when seen in context.

Hegseth’s order roughly coincided with Donald Trump’s Oval Office debacle with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the American president echoing Kremlin talking points, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the Trump White House curtailing U.S. aid to Ukraine, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the Trump administration terminating an initiative to protect Ukraine’s energy grid, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the president saying he’s prepared to reward Russia by welcoming it back into the G7, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the Trump administration disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the Trump administration paring back enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the Trump administration targeting U.S. intelligence officials as part of its mass firing campaign, which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

And the Trump administration slashing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was in line with Russia’s wishes.

A cynic might wonder if the White House were simply taking directions from the Kremlin directly.