The Story The real reason Trump hates Zelensky
Feb 27, 2025
Marc Bennetts, a foreign correspondent with deep insights into Eastern Europe, joins to unpack the tangled saga of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Initially supportive of the Ukrainian leader, Trump's tone shifted dramatically, leading to accusations and political maneuvering. The conversation dives into Trump's pressure on Zelensky regarding Biden, the reasons behind their fallout, and how this reflects broader U.S. foreign policy. Bennetts also reveals the complexities of Trump's admiration for Putin versus his treatment of Zelensky, impacting global alliances.
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Zelenskyy's Unexpected Rise
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a successful showman in Ukraine and Russia, surprisingly ran for president.
- Donald Trump initially praised Zelenskyy's victory and offered support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
Trump's Pressure Campaign
- Trump's allies spread rumors about Joe and Hunter Biden in Ukraine.
- Trump pressured Zelenskyy to investigate these rumors, potentially jeopardizing US aid to Ukraine.
The CNN Interview
- Zelenskyy planned a CNN interview about the Biden investigation but canceled it after news of the aid freeze broke.
- Trump claimed there was no quid pro quo, but officials contradicted him.