Episode 474: Mixed Signals: Trump, Hegseth, and the Ukraine Aid Whiplash

Today, Jess, Bishop, and Amy break down the latest twist in U.S.-Ukraine policy after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused a critical weapons shipment — reportedly without the White House’s knowledge. The abrupt delay blindsided Ukraine, Congress, the State Department, and European allies. Days later, President Trump reversed the decision following a tense call with Putin and an escalation of Russian drone attacks on Kyiv.

What does this erratic decision-making mean for Ukraine’s defense as Russia’s summer offensive approaches? Does President Trump’s growing frustration with Putin reflect a real shift in his stance? And how are allies interpreting the gap between Trump’s rhetoric and his actions?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussions:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/hegseth-halted-weapons-ukraine-military-analysis-aid-wouldnt-jeopardiz-rcna216790?oref=d_brief_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20D%20Brief:%20July%2007%2C%202025&utm_term=newsletter_d1_dbrief

https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/trump-told-zelensky-he-wasnt-responsible-for-weapons-holdup-f684444b?st=zMtutV

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/08/politics/hegseth-did-not-inform-white-house-ukraine-weapons-pause

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/07/trump-ukraine-weapons-shipments/

https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/trump-putin-bullshit-sanctions-ukraine

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@NotTVJessJones

@amykmitchell

@BishopGarrison

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