Is Trump Selling Out to Zelensky and Neocons?
Then-Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets with Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. 
Donald Trump promised peace in 24 hours — but now he’s arming Ukraine, just like Joe Biden, whom he blasted over the conflict.Two Patriot Systems A US Patriot air defense system from Israel will be heading to Ukraine, as Western allies weigh sending another, the NYT reported on May 4. Under US export laws, Patriot transfers need American approval — so the White House has given the nod. F-16 Training and Equipment Washington ok-ed a possible $310.5 million sale to Ukraine for F-16 training and support on May 2. It includes aircraft upgrades, personnel training, spare parts, software & hardware. Ukraine received its first F-16s from NATO last year. $50M in Arms The White House reportedly approved $50 million in arms exports to Ukraine through Direct Commercial Sales, the Ukrainian media wrote on May 1. The sale includes unspecified military hardware and services. AnalysisUS-Ukraine Minerals Deal ‘Isn’t Worth the Paper it’s Printed On’ – Expert3 May, 12:10 GMTMineral Deal Effect? Trump’s first weapons shipment to Ukraine followed the US signing of a ‘mineral deal’ with the Zelensky regime. Both sides call it a “win-win,” but experts view it as a PR stunt, offering no immediate US profits or security guarantees for Ukraine. Pentagon Arms Deliveries Continue While Trump called for a ceasefire, the Pentagon continued arms deliveries to Ukraine from Biden-era packages after a brief pause in March. How does that align with ceasefire rhetoric? It’s unclear. MAGA is Starting to Suspect Something Prominent MAGA lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced frustration with Trump’s policies, questioning why the US would “occupy Ukraine,” risk American lives, and spend billions defending its security and mining its minerals.”I represent the base and when I’m frustrated and upset over the direction of things, you better be clear, the base is not happy. I campaigned for no more foreign wars,” MTG tweeted on May 2.AnalysisDid US Deep State Allow Trump to Win?12 November 2024, 14:30 GMT