Trumpland with Alex Wagner Trump's Lies, Ukraine's Truth
Feb 27, 2025
Ben Rhodes, a national security expert and co-host of Pod Save the World, dives into the geopolitical ramifications of Trump's disinformation regarding Ukraine. He discusses the resilience of Ukrainians amidst the war's anniversary and the urgent need to remember their stories. The conversation also highlights alarming parallels between Trump's and Putin's authoritarian tactics, and the critical importance of combating misinformation to safeguard global democratic alliances. Personal narratives bring the emotional human cost of conflict to the forefront.
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Diary of War
- Ukrainians shared their stories in "Diary of War", a performance based on voice memos recorded at the start of the war.
- American actors read these accounts, detailing life under siege and the resilience of ordinary people.
Disinformation's Purpose
- Trump's disinformation about Ukraine, like claiming Zelenskyy has a 4% approval rating, echoes Russian propaganda.
- This serves to validate Russia's view of the war and influence U.S. policy in their favor.
Erosion of Truth
- Russia's disinformation strategy aims to undermine the credibility of all information.
- This makes it harder for citizens to discern truth, quelling resistance and hindering civil society discourse.