This Weekend in Politics, Bulletin 82.

… The fallout continued from Trump and Vance’s pre-planned confrontation with Zelensky to justify cutting off aid and pulling the US out of NATO.

… Mike Johnson called for Zelensky to resign: “He needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude or someone else needs to lead the country. President Trump wants peace. What Zelensky did in the WH was effectively signal to us that he’s not ready for that yet, and I think that’s a great disappointment.”

… Lindsey Graham was in full panic mode as a prior Zelensky supporter who is fully owned by Trump: “That was a complete, utter disaster. I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelensky again. He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change.”

… Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) says he disagrees with Johnson and Graham: “I’m not interested in calling on the resignation of other world leaders. Frankly, I think that would spiral Ukraine into chaos right now, trying to find who is the negotiator.”

… Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) also disagrees: “Diplomacy and statesmanship seem to have been checked at the door of the Oval Office. Ukraine is an ally in pursuit of free markets, free speech, and free people—Western values that align with our own. A win for Putin, on the other hand, does not. I am hopeful that our countries can get back to the table and advance the prospects of a just and lasting peace.”

… Sen. Lisa Murkowski also disagreed with Trump: “This week started with admin officials refusing to acknowledge that Russia started the war in Ukraine. It ends with a tense, shocking conversation in the Oval Office and whispers from the WH that they may try to end all US support for Ukraine. I know foreign policy is not for the faint of heart, but right now, I am sick to my stomach as the admin appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and US values around the world.”

… Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) who is, like myself, a former Marine: “The President is a coward who is Putin's puppet. The VP is a coward who is Trump's puppet. What we just witnessed was a meeting in the Oval Office between two puppets and a hero. The administration is going to go down as an embarrassment to American history.”

… Sen. Bernie Sanders said calls for Zelensky to resign are a "horrific suggestion. Zelensky is leading a country, trying to defend democracy against an authoritarian dictator, Putin, who invaded his country."

… Sen. Chris Murphy was asked on CNN if he now regrets his vote to confirm Rubio: “It was a mistake. I think a lot of us thought Rubio was going to stand up to Trump on an issue like this. It is absolutely shameful what's happening right now. The WH has become an arm of the Kremlin. It appears as if America is trying to align itself with dictators, that Trump wants us to have our closest relationships with despots all around the world, because that makes it easier for him to transition America into a kleptocratic oligarchy."

… PA Gov. Josh Shapiro: “We went from being the leader of the Free World to now, in just one month, wanting to be a leader of a single hemisphere, leaving China and Russia in charge of the other hemispheres. That is deeply, deeply dangerous for America’s national security interests. It is deeply troubling to see a president retreat in the face of Putin and Xi. We need a president who’s going to stand up for America’s interests, who wants to be the leader of the Free World. Trump has demonstrated nothing but weakness when it comes to national security over the course of his first month in office.

… CEO of Independent Veterans for America, Paul Rieckhoff: “He’s losing his women and children. His cities are being bombed, and we're talking about his clothes? It was victim shaming, which is what Trump has been doing to Zelensky and Ukraine since before he got elected. It's unacceptable. It's inappropriate. And it's also undermining not just Ukraine but our own national security. We are now aligned with the bad guys. Russia is the bad guy, Ukraine is the good guy. And when we continue to attack Ukraine and defend Russia, that puts us in line with the bad guys, which is not where America wants to be.

… Former Clinton admin official Keith Boykin on CNN: “Did Vance ever apologize for calling Trump ‘America's Hitler’ or calling him an idiot? But somehow we're going to force Zelensky to apologize over something he has no reason to apologize for? Did Trump apologize for calling Zelensky a dictator?”

… Rep. Ronny ‘Candyman’ Jackson was fuming after the meeting: “Don’t you ever come back to our country again, and disrespect our country, and disrespect my president! It’s disgusting to me. It’s disgusting to most Americans. As far as I am concerned, you can go home and never come back!”

We provide this entire Weekend Bulletin free for everyone, with about 30% of the rest of the daily Bulletins during the week available to free subscribers. The number of daily readers continues to grow, with over 250,000 people reading this every single day. If you missed Friday’s Bulletin, which was pretty nuts, you can read it here.

… YouGov did a poll after the Oval Office meeting: "Who do you sympathize with more?"

All Voters: Ukraine 62%. Neither: 26%. Russia: 4%

Trump Voters: Ukraine: 45%. Neither: 40%. Russia: 7%

… A new CNN/SSRS poll:

48% approve of Trump’s job performance

52% Disapprove

39% say his policies are taking the US in the right direction

52% say he isn’t paying enough attention to most important problems.

… Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul: “We keep talking about how Trump wants to do a deal to end the war. I'm not so sure that's true. I think he wants to do a deal with Putin. And the Ukraine thing is kind of a sideshow. If doesn’t work out, Trump doesn't really care because there's no other way to explain all of the concessions that he has already given to Putin even before any negotiation. So that suggests to me that he actually is not trying to negotiate a deal. He's trying to nurture a relationship with Putin.”

… DC’s lunatic US Attorney Ed Martin posted a fake conspiracy from a foreign right-wing account that produces more fake stories on X than almost any other, and vowed that he was going to investigate it. The claim was that Anthony Blinken, Victoria Nuland, Susan Rice, and Alex Vindman met with Zelensky right before his meeting with Trump and told him to reject his deal. The post alleged this violated the Logan Act. Martin: “Concerning. No one is above the law.”

… Martin later deleted it after thousands of people informed him that the story was completely made up.

… Editor of The Federalist Mollie Hemingway also fell for the fake story, and Susan Rice responded to her: “You clowns are up to the same old tired crap. When your guy screws up and royally embarrasses himself and the US, you try to change the subject and lie about a favorite target to distract and deflect. For the record, I have never met Zelensky and never spoken to him. Ever. Or advised him or anybody around him. It’s a shame that you contend that it is in the US national interest to sell out Ukraine and suck up to Putin.”

… EU countries met in London and rallied around Zelensky after the debacle with Trump. Telegraph reported that UK PM Kier Starmer said Europe knows they must now do all the “heavy lifting,” and Britain would set an example by “doubling down” on their military aid and announcing a new package for Ukraine to purchase 5,000 air-defense missiles.

… Russian state media says maybe Trump went a little too far, which is causing an alarmed Europe to become a serious problem for them: "These states have a strong military history and tradition. Quite recently, they were among the strongest armies in the world. So we should not be dismissive of them and underestimate the danger from them."

… French President Macron, who had long advocated for EU countries to increase defense spending: “We must not forget one point—if anyone is playing the Third World War, it is Vladimir Putin. He was the one who started the war three years ago, and he brought 10,000 North Korean soldiers to European soil.”

… Keir Starmer gave Zelensky a warm and friendly welcome when he arrived in London from DC: “You are very, very welcome here in Downing Street. As you heard from the cheers outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom.”

… Every leader in Europe, with the exception of Trump’s pal in Hungary, Victor Orban, make posts and statements on social media expressing unqualified support for Zelensky after his meeting with Trump and Vance.

… Orban: “Strong men make peace, weak men make war. President Trump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!”

… Starmer met with Trump the morning after the Zelensky debacle before returning to London for talks with Zelensky. Karoline Leavitt’s WH Press Release referred to Starmer as, “Prime Minister of Britain and Ireland.” The Irish might not love that.

… Kremlin spokeman Dmitry Peskov said Russia was thrilled with how Trump treated Zelensky: "The new administration is rapidly changing all foreign policy configurations. This largely aligns with our vision. There is a long way to go because a lot of damage has been done to the whole complex of bilateral relations. But if the political will of the two leaders, Presidents Putin and Trump, is maintained, this path can be quite quick and successful."

… Yeah, for Russia.

… Elon Musk posted on X that the US should withdraw from NATO and the UN, which has kept the western world safe for 80 years. Sen. Mike Lee then responded that he agreed with Musk, as he does on everything.

… The Express reports that fuel giant Haltbakk Bunkers in Norway announced a ban on fuel sales to US companies and military forces after Trump’s meeting with Zelensky. The company posted on social media: "No fuel to Americans! We have been witnesses to the biggest shit show ever presented live on tv by the current American president and his VP. Huge credit to the president of Ukraine restraining himself and for keeping calm even though USA put on a backstabbing tv show. It made us sick. As a result, we have decided to immediately STOP as fuel provider to Americans in Norway and their ships calling Norwegian ports.”

… Owner Gunnar Gran to Norwegian maritime news site Kystens Næringsliv: “Not a litre of fuel will be delivered until Trump is finished. We run a private limited company and choose our customers!"

… Fox reported hundreds of protestors lined up for a mile waiting for JD Vance as he arrived at a ski resort town in Warren, Vermont, and they were irate after his behavior with Zelensky. Vance planned to stay at a resort near Sugarbush, but moved to an undisclosed location because of protesters. He then ended his trip early and left the area.

… Republicans continue to face angry constituents in their districts because of DOGE cuts, Zelensky’s treatment, and J6 pardons. This is even happening in some of the most ruby red Republican areas. In Texas, Rep. Keith Self faced loud chants of "do your job!” while his answers were frequently interrupted by boos. The crowd exploded as soon as he mentioned DOGE.

… In Kansas, people yelled at Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) calling him a coward. One constituent to Marshall: “I’m not a Democrat, but I’m worried about the veterans, man!” Marshall then announced he was ending his town hall early and walked out: “I have a lot of other commitments today.” Another citizen then yelled: “You’re going to run out? What about the pictures you said you would take with us?” Another yelled: “We’re gonna vote you out!”

… Rep. Diana Harshbarger heard it from her constituents in TN. She said to the crowd at her town hall that DOGE was what they voted for: “There’s been a mandate to the president from the American people. Am I correct?” The crowd yelled in unison loudly “NO!!!” and then booed.

… An angry constituent then asked Harshbarger: “I’m wondering how you feel about Trump pardoning the J6 rioters?” Harshbarger responded by claiming that she didn’t know who Trump pardoned exactly, which caused the crowd again to yell and boo. Harshbarger then said they were all operatives being paid by Democrats.

… Constituents were outside Republican Rep’s Mike Lawler’s district office in NY this weekend with angry signs protesting Medicaid cuts in the House Republican budget plan.

… Al Lipphardt, VFW National Commander, to Musk: “I was wounded in combat during the Vietnam War. In my experience, those operating with a scalpel have a better chance at saving limbs than those who operate with a chainsaw.”

… Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi received a huge standing ovation in a Trump +5 district after talking about how despicable Trump‘s behavior was in the Oval Office with Zelensky.

… At the big WWE event in Toronto this weekend, Canadians loudly booed during the US National Anthem. Again.

… I think absolutely the most effective thing to do right now is to show up at an elected Republican’s event, ask tough questions, and protest. Even if they are in a neighboring district. This will have more of an impact than anything else right now. They are hearing from Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. I’ve always said the tide will begin to turn when Republicans are more afraid of their constituents than they are of Trump, so let’s keep it up.

… Rep. Dan Goldman: “Right now, Republicans think their seats are at greater risk from Trump/Musk retaliation than from their constituents’ votes. Time for the people to rise up and make your voices heard. My GOP colleagues will only stand up to Trump if they believe their seat depends on it.”

… WKOW reported that Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) threatened retaliation against a former VA employee who complained to him about DOGE cuts. The man worked as a veterans service rep at the LA VA, until he was fired on Feb. 3. Van Orden responded to his plea: “I will be referring you to DOGE,” since the man sent the message during working hours. He had already been fired though.

… Van Orden issued a statement after the exchange was made public: “I have spoken directly with the VA here in Wisconsin and they were explicitly clear that their ability to deliver world class care to our veterans has not been diminished.”

… Pat Dennis, President of America’s Bridge: “I track data on wait times and performance at these medical centers. At the Madison VA, a week ago a veteran with cancer, a new patient, would wait on average 23.6 days for an appointment. Too long. Today? 29 days.”

… Emperor Musk called on Republicans in Congress to start impeaching federal judges who rule against DOGE, which has been pretty much all of them: “The only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges. We must impeach to save democracy.”

… Somebody mentioned to me that Musk is like Rasputin. But the more I think about it, I think the historical figure he resembles most is Robespierre.

… Rep. Eli Crane has already filed articles of impeachment against the first judge to rule against DOGE, Paul Englemayer: “If these partisan judges want to be politicians, they should resign and run for office.”

… Sen. Dick Durbin: “It’s clear they’re trying to create an environment of intimidation to the judiciary to try to make certain that they don’t rule against Trump and his policies.”

… Sen. Richard Blumenthal: “It is all about raw politics. It may seem absurd and hypothetical to us here, but to judges, it is extremely threatening. It is plainly a device to bully and intimidate judges to think twice about issuing orders.”

… Even Lindsey Graham agreed with Democrats on this one: “The Rolling Stones said it best: ‘You can’t always get what you want.’ I’m not a big fan of impeaching somebody because you don’t like their decision. They have to actually do something unethical.”

… Mike Johnson said he is confident that Musk is going to save trillions by finding fraudulent Social Security payments: "We meet late into the night in his office and we've looked at that. What he's finding with his algorithms crawling through the data of Social Security system is enormous amounts of fraud, waste, and abuse."

… They keep saying that, but so far not a single dollar of “fraud” has been exposed by DOGE. Only programs that Musk disagrees with, which he labels as fraud.

… CNBC reports that the most recent projection from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is for economic growth to shrink this quarter. This is a shocking new projection since they had earlier expected 2.3% growth. Now they are predicting this quarter to be a 1.5% decline in GDP, a huge swing in such a short period of time. New data showed consumers spent less than expected last month and exports were weak, which led to the downgrade.

… Naturally, Elon Musk now wants to change the way GDP has always been calculated: “A more accurate measure of GDP would exclude government spending. Otherwise, you can scale GDP artificially high by spending money on things that don’t make people’s lives better.”

… BBC reported that DOGE’s cuts are having a big impact on national parks, forests and wildlife habitats. Trump and Musk have never been to one in their lives, so they couldn’t care less. Visitors are already experiencing longer park entrance lines, reduced hours at visitor centers, trails closed and dirty facilities. Around 5% of the National Park Service staff and 10% of the US Forest Service have been fired so far.

… 325 million people visit national parks each year, and 159 million visit national forests. There has already been longer lines outside national parks around the country due to lack of toll operators to check people in at the gates.

… Axios reports that Sen. Ruben Gallego will bring a recently fired security expert for the Department of Homeland Security as his guest next week for Trump’s address to Congress. Gallego said he invited the man because he wants Trump and his allies "to see the faces of the people their reckless chaos is hurting." He is a disabled veteran who worked for the govt in cybersecurity monitoring terrorist threats at large events at stadiums like baseball games.

… CNN reports that Russia and China’s intelligence agencies now view fired and current US federal employees working in national security as a target rich environment for recruitment. They are focusing on recently fired employees with security clearances and those who worry about being terminated.

… A report from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service said with “high confidence” that foreign adversaries were trying to recruit federal employees and “capitalize” on the Trump administration’s plans for mass layoffs. A source familiar with the report: “It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see that these cast aside federal workers with a wealth of institutional knowledge represent staggeringly attractive targets to the intelligence services of our competitors and adversaries.”

… Trump was dragging right leg badly on golf course again. I have chronicled on my social media pages with video clips how he has been doing this for the past 18 months. It is much more pronounced when he thinks he is not on video. I’m not a doctor, so I don’t know what that means.

… Alina Habba said that Trump has taken back all the boxes of classified documents that were seized by the FBI from Mar-a-Lago: “I just personally loaded the infamous ‘boxes’ back onto Air Force 1 to head home where they belong. Justice has been and will continue to be restored in this country under President Trump. TRUTH AND JUSTICE ALWAYS WIN IN THE END. God Bless America!”

… AG Pam Bondi blocked Laura Loomer on X after she continued to complain bitterly to her huge MAGA following that Bondi botched the Jeffrey Epstein files rollout and called for Trump to fire her: “Today, Pam Blondi BLOCKED ME on X from her account that has a grey check mark, which indicates that it’s an official government account. Pam Blondie uses her X account for official government statements like the posted screenshotted below (one of MANY). There is STRONG case law which says that state actors like Bondi CANNOT block private citizens, like me, on social media because such blocks deprive our free speech rights.”

… Loomer continued: “You’d think that someone in the position as US ATTORNEY GENERAL would have an IQ high enough to understand this, and know this. As a private citizen who has simply been exposing Pam Blondie’s incompetence on X, my FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS HAVE BEEN DEPRIVED BY THE AG! Pam Blondie apparently does not even know the basics of Constitutional Law. This screams INCOMPETENCE!”

… So sad to see them fighting with each other like this.

… Mary Margaret Olohan, WH Correspondent for Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire: “Slow weekend here in Palm Beach - travel press is holding again while POTUS is at Trump International Golf Club. AP again tried to join the travel pool and was denied. Afterwards, the AP sent over doughnuts to the travel pool.”

… Podcaster and Newsmax host Benny Johnson, who was outed last year for receiving payments from Russia to push their propaganda to his US audience, posted this on X yesterday. Trump played golf on Saturday. Trump played golf on Sunday.

… But protesters were there to greet Trump this morning at the entrance to his golf club as he arrived at the course.