Another 12 things Trump did as President [25-36]

Part 3- Ukraine and Russia

25-Pressuring Ukraine's President Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, leading to Trump's first impeachment.

In 2019, President Donald Trump pressured Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in connection with a Ukrainian energy company. Trump allegedly withheld nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine as leverage, seeking to benefit his 2020 reelection campaign by discrediting Biden, a political rival. This led to Trump's first impeachment by the House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, though he was later acquitted by the Senate.

26-Withholding military aid from Ukraine as part of the pressure to investigate Biden.

In 2019, President Trump withheld nearly $400 million in military aid from Ukraine as leverage to pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky into launching an investigation into Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, regarding their involvement with a Ukrainian energy company. The move was seen as an attempt to gain political advantage for the 2020 election by discrediting a leading rival. This action became central to the impeachment inquiry, as it raised concerns that Trump was using his presidential powers for personal political gain at the expense of U.S. foreign policy and national security interests.

27-Undermining Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression

By withholding crucial military aid, Trump jeopardized Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian-backed separatists and further aggression.

28-Delaying a White House meeting with Zelensky

Trump delayed a key diplomatic meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, allegedly tying it to Ukraine's willingness to investigate Biden.

29-Downplaying the importance of Ukraine

Trump suggested that Ukraine was not vital to U.S. national security, undermining bipartisan efforts to support the country in its struggle against Russian aggression.

30-Firing officials supporting Ukraine

Trump fired or sidelined key officials, including Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, both of whom strongly supported U.S. aid to Ukraine.

31-Promoting pro-Russian narratives

Trump often echoed Kremlin talking points, like claiming Ukraine interfered in the 2016 U.S. election, which damaged U.S.-Ukraine relations.

32-Jeopardizing NATO and European unity on Ukraine

Trump's frequent criticism of NATO and his inconsistent stance toward Russian aggression raised concerns among European allies about the U.S.'s commitment to defending Ukraine.

33-Blocking congressional subpoenas

Trump blocked testimony from key officials involved in Ukraine policy during the impeachment investigation, hindering accountability

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34-Downplaying Russia’s invasion of Crimea

Trump frequently avoided condemning Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, signaling tacit approval to Moscow.

35-Pushing a false narrative that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 election

Trump and his allies promoted a discredited theory that Ukraine, not Russia, meddled in the 2016 U.S. election, aligning with Russian disinformation.

36-Blocking support for Ukraine at the G7 Summit

Trump attempted to push for Russia’s readmission to the G7, despite its expulsion due to the invasion of Crimea.