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Far From a Kremlin Stooge, Trump’s Real Record on Russia

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5 months ago

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Photo courtesy of El Confidencial

Allegations that Trump is a Russian asset are preposterous, especially given his strong anti-Russia stance during his first presidency.

Rather than accusing him of being pro-Russia, critics should listen carefully to what he is actually saying: he wants the Ukraine war to end, with people stopping the killing, and for the U.S. to stop financing it.

He has even offered Ukraine a peace deal that includes minerals for defense and guarantees Ukraine’s security without requiring the country to join NATO, which would address Putin’s primary concern regarding Ukraine.

During his first term, President Donald Trump adopted several policies that were tough on Russia, despite his more conciliatory rhetoric towards President Vladimir Putin.

Between 2017 and 2019, the Trump administration took 52 actions, including sanctions, military assistance, and diplomatic measures, all targeting Russia’s malign activities.

These actions were primarily a response to Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, its involvement in Ukraine, and its use of chemical weapons in the UK.

In 2018, for instance, the administration-imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities tied to election interference, cyberattacks, and the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal.

Additionally, the U.S. expelled Russian diplomats and imposed export restrictions following Russia’s violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Military measures were also a key part of the strategy. The U.S. provided Ukraine with defensive weapons to counter Russian-backed separatists and sanctioned Russia’s military and intelligence sectors.

In response to the Skripal poisoning, the administration imposed further sanctions under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act.

It also approved lethal weapons sales to Ukraine, reaffirmed the U.S. rejection of Crimea’s annexation, and bolstered Ukraine’s naval capabilities.

Beyond these actions, the Trump administration took additional steps to limit Russia’s influence, such as banning the use of Kaspersky Labs software on government computers due to its ties to Russian intelligence.

It also released the “Russian Oligarch List” and continued imposing sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), targeting Russian elites and companies involved in illicit activities.

Despite Trump’s amicable interactions with Putin, these policies demonstrate a firm stance against Russian aggression and interference in international affairs.

The 2017 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) mandated sanctions on Russian individuals, companies, and officials involved in these activities.

Despite some delays in enforcement, sanctions were ultimately imposed, with the Trump administration gradually adding more names to the list. These measures targeted Russian oligarchs and government officials connected to Putin’s inner circle.

In 2018, following the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK, the Trump administration expelled 60 Russian diplomats and closed Russia’s consulate in Seattle as part of a coordinated international response.

The U.S. also imposed sanctions on Russian energy companies, including those involved in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which was seen as a major effort by Russia to bypass Ukraine and extend its influence in Europe.

Sanctions were also levied against Rosneft Trading, a subsidiary of the Russian oil giant, for its dealings with Venezuelan oil.

Alongside these sanctions, military actions were also taken.

The Trump administration authorized the sale of lethal weapons to Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, marking a significant departure from previous U.S. policy under the Obama administration.

This move was seen as a direct challenge to Russian influence in Ukraine and aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russian-backed separatists.

The Trump administration took several steps to deter Russian interference in future U.S. elections.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) worked to bolster U.S. election infrastructure defenses against cyberattacks, particularly from Russian actors.

This included attributing several major cyberattacks to Russian state-backed hackers, such as the SolarWinds hack in 2020.

In addition, Trump approved the deployment of thousands of U.S. troops to Eastern European NATO allies, including Poland and the Baltic states, as part of NATO’s broader deterrence strategy against Russian aggression.

Following the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK, the U.S. joined the UK and other allies in expelling over 150 Russian diplomats in a coordinated diplomatic protest.

The administration also indicted several Russian individuals for cyberattacks and election interference, including members of Russia’s GRU (military intelligence) and the Internet Research Agency.

The Department of Justice and FBI pursued aggressive investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election, culminating in special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, which resulted in multiple indictments of Russian individuals and entities.

Despite Trump’s often criticized diplomacy toward Putin, these actions reflect a series of policies that were, in practice, hostile toward Russia—especially in terms of economic sanctions, military support for Ukraine, and efforts to curb Russian activities both in the U.S. and internationally.

The post Far From a Kremlin Stooge, Trump’s Real Record on Russia appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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GOP Senator John Thune Quietly BLOCKS Trump Recess Appointments with Sneaky Procedural Maneuver — Launches Series of Pro Forma Sessions to Keep Senate in Fake “Session” During August Recess

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10 hours ago

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August 3, 2025

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R‑SD) has unveiled a procedural scheme to block President Donald Trump from making any critical appointments during the August recess, effectively aiding the Democrats’ obstructionist agenda.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the president can make “recess appointments,” temporary appointments to federal positions, if the Senate is in recess and not conducting business. These appointments don’t require immediate Senate confirmation and can last until the end of the next session of Congress.

But there’s a loophole: if the Senate holds pro forma sessions, very short, symbolic meetings where no actual business is conducted, then technically, the Senate is still in session. That means the president cannot legally make recess appointments during that time.

John Thune has quietly secured unanimous‑consent for a paper‑thin Senate schedule through the Trump appointee confirmation deadline, ensuring only pro forma sessions on five key dates in early August.

Under the agreement, the chamber will adjourn after today’s business and reconvene without conducting any votes or business on:

  • Tue, Aug 5 – 1:00 p.m.
  • Fri, Aug 8 – 1:05 p.m.
  • Tue, Aug 12 – 8:00 a.m.
  • Fri, Aug 15 – 10:15 a.m.
  • Tue, Aug 19 – 10:00 a.m.
  • Fri, Aug 22 – 9:00 a.m.
  • Tue, Aug 26 – 12:00 p.m.
  • Fri, Aug 29 – 7:00 a.m.

WATCH:

Thune’s pro forma blueprint comes amid mounting pressure from Donald Trump, who has demanded the Senate remain open until all 150+ administration nominees are confirmed.

Under the Recess Appointments Clause, a president may only install nominees without Senate approval if both chambers are in formal recess for at least 10 days. By convening the Senate just long enough every few days, Thune blocks the possibility of Trump making unilateral appointees.

The Senate went into its August recess without confirming all of Trump’s pending judicial and district‑level appointments.

By the time lawmakers left town on Saturday evening, no deal had been reached to move dozens of Trump’s nominees, including U.S. district court picks, through final floor votes.

Only a small handful of nominees (such as Jeanine Pirro to be U.S. Attorney in D.C.) had advanced. Otherwise, nominees remained stalled in committees or waiting for cloture roll‑calls on the executive calendar.

Roughly 150–160 executive and judicial nominations, including over a dozen district court judges and U.S. attorney nominations, remained scheduled but unconfirmed.

The post GOP Senator John Thune Quietly BLOCKS Trump Recess Appointments with Sneaky Procedural Maneuver — Launches Series of Pro Forma Sessions to Keep Senate in Fake “Session” During August Recess appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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‘That’s What I Call Results!’: Trump Admin Saves Jobs, Kicks 1500 Non-English-Speaking Truckers Off the Road

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10 hours ago

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August 3, 2025

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that there have been about 1,500 truck drivers who do not speak English taken off the roads as part of a push to ensure foreign truck drivers are not causing accidents.

Back in 2016, the Obama administration stopped enforcing English proficiency requirements for truckers, according to a report from The Daily Signal.

But in May, Duffy issued a guidance making clear that truck drivers who cannot demonstrate a proficiency in English cannot drive.

The 1,500 drivers were taken off the roads within the first 3o days of the rules once more being enforced, according to The Daily Signal.

“Since I took action to enforce language proficiency requirements for truckers, our state partners have put roughly 1,500 unqualified drivers out of service. That’s what I call results!” Duffy posted on X.

“If you can’t read or speak our national language — ENGLISH — we won’t let your truck endanger the driving public.”

He added, “America First = Safety First.”

Duffy’s concerns were far from unfounded.

In January, there was a truck driver involved in a fatal crash that had to use a language interpreter for the post-crash investigation, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Another incident from 2019 involved a truck driver who could not proficiently speak English speeding through signs that warned of steep grades and dangerous curves, all at more than 100 miles per hour.

Four people died in that crash, per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

President Donald Trump had likewise insisted with an April executive order that the move centered on public safety.

“They should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers,” the order said of truck drivers.

They also “need to provide feedback to their employers and customers and receive related directions in English,” a position the order called “common sense.”

“It is the policy of my Administration to support America’s truckers and safeguard our roadways by enforcing the commonsense English-language requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers and removing needless regulatory burdens that undermine the working conditions of America’s truck drivers,” the notice added.

“This order will help ensure a safe, secure, and efficient motor carrier industry.”

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.

The post ‘That’s What I Call Results!’: Trump Admin Saves Jobs, Kicks 1500 Non-English-Speaking Truckers Off the Road appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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Slovenia Imposes Arms Embargo on Israel, Citing Gaza Conflict

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10 hours ago

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August 3, 2025

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via Wikimedia Commons

Slovenia has imposed an arms embargo on Israel, banning the export, import, and transit of weapons to and from the country.

This decision was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob following a government session on July 31, 2025.

Slovenia claims to be the first European Union member to take such a step, citing the EU’s inability to act due to internal disagreements.

The government stated that no permits for military exports to Israel have been issued since October 2023, when the conflict in Gaza began.

Officials emphasized that the embargo is an independent measure to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Slovenia has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and increased aid deliveries to the region.

In early July 2025, Slovenia declared two Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, persona non grata, barring them from entry.

This action was based on their public statements regarding the conflict. Earlier, in June 2024, Slovenia recognized Palestinian statehood, joining countries like Ireland, Norway, and Spain in this move.

The conflict in Gaza started after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israeli territory, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the taking of hostages.

Israel responded with a military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure. Reports from Gaza’s health ministry indicate significant casualties, with ongoing international efforts to negotiate truces and provide aid.

Several other nations have taken similar diplomatic steps, including France, Britain, and Canada announcing potential recognition of a Palestinian state. Australia has also indicated that recognizing Palestinian statehood is under consideration.

Israel has criticized these declarations, arguing they could reward Hamas for its actions.

Israeli officials dismissed Slovenia’s embargo as insignificant, noting that Israel does not procure any defense materials from Slovenia.

An unnamed official stated that the country buys nothing from Slovenia, not even minor items.

Within the EU, there is growing pressure for measures against Israel, with Sweden and the Netherlands advocating for suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The European Commission has proposed limiting Israel’s participation in the Horizon research program, though Germany opposes such steps.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concerns about Israel’s potential diplomatic isolation during a visit to Jerusalem.

The United States remains a key ally to Israel, with President Donald Trump warning that recognizing Palestinian statehood might benefit Hamas.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance Gaza truce talks. These efforts aim to address the humanitarian crisis and secure a ceasefire.

The post Slovenia Imposes Arms Embargo on Israel, Citing Gaza Conflict appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.

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