At 12:41 in the afternoon, an angry Donald Trump walked over to the reporters outside the White House and, in just 5 minutes and 36 seconds, made clear where our country now stands. Asked about his new diesel deal with Vladimir Putin, he directed his anger at Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of the country being invaded. “Zelensky could have settled this war many times. Many, many times. And he chooses not to.” Then he said, “And I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.” The President of the United States called for regime change in a democracy fighting for its survival while offering its invader relief from sanctions. I have watched so many hours of Trump speaking that I’m numb to much of it, but watching him praise Putin and vilify Zelenskyy was beyond upsetting. It took me back to the Cold War and the relief we felt when the Berlin Wall came down. We knew that peace could be shattered again if authoritarian leaders were allowed to threaten their neighbors without consequences.
The initial 300,000 metric tons of Russian diesel would barely cover 15 hours of American consumption if we received every drop. We already produce more than we use, and energy experts say this small amount is unlikely to make much difference to prices. What this deal does accomplish is a public signal that the United States stands with dictators, along with revenue Russia can use to buy more missiles. As Zelensky said, “Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war.” Even some Republicans are objecting. Brian Fitzpatrick is introducing the Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act to block Russian oil purchases and says he will use a discharge petition to force a vote around House leadership. Ukraine is holding the line for Europe, and Beijing and Pyongyang are watching what happens when that line is abandoned.
One day, our descendants will ask what we did during this period. Whether we spoke out while people were taken off our streets without due process, women lost rights, and our president cozied up to a dictator. I know that calling out Trump and Putin every night puts me on a list. I understand the danger, and I am doing it anyway, because there is safety in numbers. If millions refuse to be quiet, they cannot come for all of us. I am also seeing a quieter resistance from online content creators putting messages in their videos or wearing shirts that make their position unmistakable. We can find both quiet and loud ways to resist. We have to show up on November 3 and vote like our children and grandchildren’s future depends on it. Getting through the midterms is the starting line. The long work of cleaning this up still lies ahead, and nothing is guaranteed. That is why we need to keep speaking, keep showing up, and keep doing our part.
See the full story in the video.
We are living through a pivotal moment for our country, and my goal is to reach as many people as possible with clear, factual information about what is happening. The more people who understand what is unfolding, the better our chances of pushing back against chaos, cruelty, and corruption ahead of the midterms.
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I’m fighting to save our country (before it’s too late).
I’ll see you tomorrow,
Heather
This video is based on my written post, available HERE, and based on the events of 10-10-2026.
This commentary represents my personal opinions and analysis of matters of public concern, informed by publicly available information. Any references to individuals constitute opinion and commentary protected under the First Amendment.
Sources:
President Trump Gaggles with Press Upon Departure from the White House, Oct. 10, 2026: YouTube Video
https://www.axios.com/2026/10/10/fitzpatrick-trump-russia-diesel-discharge-petition
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/6140830-fitzpatrick-bill-block-russian-oil/
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/6140871-republicans-oppose-trump-russian-diesel-deal/
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-diesel-2678069583/
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-cuts-desperate-deal-with-putin-to-save-magas-skin
