Trump has surrendered both moral authority and the perception of American power.
Ukraine
Ukrainian drones successfully struck at least 38 Russian oil tankers in the last week.
In the spring of 2026, Russia began what was easily the most highly anticipated action in the last three years of Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Four months later, all it has to show for the "spring offensive" is 300,000 casualties.
If Crimea goes, Putin goes with it.
Of all the foggy spots in this war, this may be the foggiest.
Ukrainians are well aware that Musk is not their benefactor. He's their extortionist.
April was the first month since 2024 in which Russian forces suffered a net loss of controlled territory.
Ukraine's drones are so effective that tanks and other armored vehicles have all but vanished from the fight.
Russia continues to burn through its resources but is no longer seeing gains for it.
When asked who picked Budapest, the White House press secretary answered 'Your mom did.'
On the other hand, perhaps Hegseth's recent halting of some shipments of weapons to Ukraine wasn't, as reporting has it, a decision made without White House consent.
It's time to forget the idea of Ukraine joining NATO. NATO should be more concerned about whether it gets to join Ukraine.
A wider European war may well be imminent; NATO has only a small window between Trump's treachery and the rebuilding of Putin's now-decimated military force.
Trump has no interest in peace and even less in a fair solution that recognizes Russia as an illegal aggressor. Not only does Trump view Putin as his greatest ally, he sees the invasion of Ukraine as a gift.
Destroying USAID and firing the agency's inspector general appears to be a pure cover-up of Musk's illegal actions in conducting a foreign policy that included negotiating with an authoritarian dictator and betraying a U.S. ally in time of war.
It might be possible to write a more patronizing, belittling proposal. But it would be difficult.
Meanwhile, Russia abandons multiple bases in Syria as rebel forces advance.
Trump can only threaten to cut off aid. But Trump and Musk together are a much greater threat.
Can Ukraine save Pokrovsk from becoming the next Bakhmut? And ... how hard should it try?