In a seemingly contradictory wartime move, the administration is allowing countries like Iran and Russia to sell their oil. The primary goal is to manage the massive political and economic problem of spiking gas prices, even if it means temporarily empowering an enemy.

The check on authoritarian power doesn't require a majority opposition. In the U.S. Senate, a small faction of just 20 Republicans could privately threaten to join Democrats on an impeachment vote, effectively forcing the administration to reverse course. Their inaction signals political cowardice.

Before the crisis, US pressure had halved India's imports of Russian crude. The Hormuz shutdown forces India and others to seek alternative supplies, making Russian oil essential again. This geopolitical turmoil has made Moscow its single greatest beneficiary, even prompting sanctions waivers from the White House.

Promised Russian diesel exports of up to one million tonnes monthly constitute under one percent of global consumption, offering virtually no downward pressure on fuel prices. The transaction serves primarily as an electoral talking point, while exposing leadership to accusations of undermining sanctions for negligible economic relief.

Despite his stated goal of lowering oil prices, President Trump's aggressive sanctions on Venezuela, Iran, and Russia have removed significant supply from the market. This creates logistical bottlenecks and "oil on water" buildups, effectively tightening the market and keeping prices higher than they would be otherwise.

US sanctions on Russian LNG facilities are not primarily about punishing Russia for Ukraine, but are a strategic move in a global "LNG war." The US is using LNG as a tool of foreign policy and national security, meaning these sanctions are unlikely to be lifted even with a peace deal.

The hosts highlight a profound ideological shift within the Republican party, which has moved from being staunchly anti-Russia to becoming its strongest ally abroad. This transformation, exemplified by Marco Rubio's handling of a Russia-favored peace plan, represents a complete reversal of the party's historical foreign policy stance.

Using the dollar system to sanction nations like Russia backfires spectacularly. It destroys the global reputation and trust necessary for a reserve currency, encouraging other countries to find alternatives.

Reports say Putin is floating a summit with Trump and Xi; Scott Galloway says if Zelensky isn't at the table, Ukraine is on the menu. He compares abandoning Ukraine to partnering with 1940s Germany, notes most Americans side with Ukraine, and calls it the administration's most damaging long-term decision.