Iran Tests Trump as Ukraine's Zelensky Turns the Tables

On tonight’s show, I’ll be discussing the latest developments in Trump’s Iran war -- including signs that economic pressure may now be hurting Tehran more than the bombing. Iran is facing gasoline shortages despite being one of the world’s largest oil producers, and U.S. officials believe the regime may be even more desperate for money than for the attacks to stop.

I’ll also fact-check Trump’s attempt to blame Biden and Ukraine for America’s munitions shortages. Ukraine aid has reduced some U.S. reserves, particularly Patriot interceptors, but experts say most of the weapons being used in the Middle East were never sent to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky appears to be making real progress with Trump. They discussed Patriot licenses and diplomacy, while Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner reportedly agreed to make their first trip to Kyiv. Trump has also become increasingly impressed by Ukraine’s drone warfare and its ability to strike deep inside Russia.

Laura Loomer is even claiming credit for Trump’s change of heart after reversing years of anti-Ukraine propaganda. Ukraine has now struck ships carrying Iranian weapons to Russia, reportedly shut down a Russian refinery more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine, and prompted Iran to demand compensation.

I’ll also discuss Trump’s meetings with Zelensky and Benjamin Netanyahu after Lindsey Graham’s funeral, the Senate’s first vote on the long-delayed Russia sanctions bill, and the legal fight over Trump’s effort to restrict mail-in voting as it moves toward the Supreme Court.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is demanding that Mitch McConnell publicly demonstrate that he is still capable of serving. I’ll also have an update on the former Olympian challenging the government’s damage claims in his criminal case, arguing that prosecutors can’t prove there was more than $1,000 in damage -- or perhaps any new damage at all.

Trump is also preparing to end Medicare Part D subsidies that have helped hold down prescription-drug premiums for roughly 25 million seniors, potentially leaving millions with higher costs in 2027.

And there’s more disturbing news about Trump’s rushed Qatari Air Force One. The plane appears to be missing major safety and security systems, may have cost far more than the administration has admitted, and Trump reportedly insisted on a darker paint scheme despite warnings that it could trap heat and interfere with the aircraft’s electronics.

Finally, I’ll discuss the controversy over Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey -- and why anything that sends millions of people back to Homer, the Iliad and the Odyssey has already made a valuable contribution to culture.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Rainy DC, show setup and thumbnail
05:37 Welcome and news overview
06:47 Lindsey Graham’s funeral, Zelensky and Netanyahu
07:43 Zelensky’s improved meeting with Trump
08:05 Russia sanctions vote
08:26 Iran’s economic crisis and gasoline shortages
08:59 Trump’s sanctions spin
10:27 Trump blames Biden and Ukraine for munitions shortages
11:04 Fact-checking Trump’s weapons claims
12:49 Mail-in ballot order heads toward Supreme Court
14:03 Court allows order to proceed
15:23 Beshear questions McConnell’s fitness
15:48 Reflecting pool evidence
18:30 David Hearn challenges felony case
20:07 Lawyers demand grand-jury testimony
22:47 Trump ends Medicare Part D subsidies
25:24 Trump’s rushed Qatari Air Force One
26:11 Darker paint scheme risks
27:03 Missing safety and security systems
28:24 Hidden costs and classified funding
29:08 Nuclear-modernization money diverted
31:04 Laura Loomer’s Ukraine reversal
32:29 Loomer calls Trump after meeting Zelensky
32:44 Witkoff and Kushner prepare to visit Kyiv
33:59 Loomer’s influence over Trump
36:15 Trump begins viewing Ukraine differently
37:21 Oleksandr Usyk’s pitch to Trump
37:48 Ukraine strikes Iran-to-Russia arms shipments
39:54 Iran demands compensation
41:06 Ukraine shuts down Russian refinery
41:52 Storm break and plant rescue
44:48 Christopher Nolan and The Odyssey backlash
45:06 Greek perspective on Homer
46:22 The Odyssey boom and interest in Greek
47:55 Audience hangout
50:49 Growing olives at home
53:33 Olives, pizza and raw onions
56:49 Pita, souvlaki and fries
57:15 Roti, tortillas and flatbread
60:11 Beans on toast
61:31 Breaking news: Iran launches regional strike
63:29 CENTCOM confirms missiles aimed at U.S. forces
64:01 Why Iran believes Trump can be pressured
64:53 Tehran tests U.S. resolve
65:42 Iran has no intention of surrendering
66:05 Iran believes it is winning
67:32 Naval mines and danger in the Gulf
68:09 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tangent
69:30 Iran nuclear-arsenal fact-check
70:27 Comparing Iran, Turkey and Israel
71:22 Plant update and closing discussion
73:03 Mail-in voting recap
74:11 Bread makers and proofing boxes
75:23 Final goodbye