Trump's party faces midterm crisis

Donald Trump's Republican party is struggling to hold both houses of Congress and his approval ratings are cratering to historic lows.

Trump's October surprise: attack Zelensky

Instead of campaigning on domestic issues, Trump has spent the week attacking Volodymyr Zelensky and openly helping Vladimir Putin in Russia's war against Ukraine.

Trump waives Russia energy sanctions

After a call with Putin last Friday, Trump waived energy sanctions on Russia to purchase hundreds of thousands of tons of diesel fuel to lower U.S. prices.

Trump blames Ukraine for the war

Trump began accusing Zelensky of causing the war, demanded Ukraine stop attacking Russian energy facilities, and called for the Ukrainian president's removal.

“He wants to make problems for the world. I suggest they get a new leader.”

Trump declares a ceasefire Putin breaks

Over the weekend, Trump proclaimed an energy ceasefire between the countries that appeared entirely made up. Russia launched deadly bombardments within hours.

Laura Loomer sees Trump humiliated

Even Laura Loomer, a White House-adjacent conspiracy theorist who recently switched to supporting Ukraine, concluded that Vladimir Putin is trying to humiliate the Trump administration.

“Vladimir Putin is trying to humiliate the Trump administration.”

Zelensky declares the partnership broken

By Wednesday, Zelensky told Piers Morgan that Ukraine is losing a strong partner and that it is painful when President Trump chooses one side, not their side.

“It's painful when President Trump chooses one side, not our side.”

Ukraine ends compliance with ceasefire

In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelensky said Ukraine had voluntarily abided by Trump's energy ceasefire for three days but would not anymore despite U.S. threats.

“We're done.”

Trump pressures Ukraine toward surrender

Trump's envoys are privately pressing Kyiv to agree to a deal that looks more like surrender on Russia's terms than compromise, while Russia escalates drone and missile attacks.

Diplomat warns of immediate danger

Daniel Fried, a former senior U.S. diplomat in Europe, said the moment of greatest danger is now in the near term, with Putin taking advantage of the situation.

“The moment of greatest danger is now, in the near term.”

Republicans criticize Trump's Russia pivot

Republican congressman Don Bacon compared Trump to Neville Chamberlain and called his policy appeasement. Six G.O.P. senators called the diesel deal a betrayal of allies.

“Putin is playing President Trump like never seen before.”

Putin remains deeply unpopular in U.S.

Despite Trump's years of supporting Putin, the Russian leader and his war remain deeply unpopular in America, even more unpopular than Trump himself.

Trump's approval hits historic low

A new Fox News survey this week had Trump at his lowest level ever for the network, with a thirty-six percent job approval rating.

Trump may want Russia to win

With no time for diesel to reach the U.S. before November third, the question arises: is Trump pivoting to Putin not to help his party win but because he wants Russia to?