Pelosi directly confronts Trump. On October 18, she wrote: On October 16, 2019, I told Donald Trump, Mr. President, with you in office, every path leads to Putin. On October 16, 2026, Trump signed an executive order exempting Congress’s bipartisan majority-approved new sanctions on Russia—legally enacted just last month. This decision undermines America’s commitment to democracy and disrespects the courage of our service members, as Russia is aiding Iran in targeting U.S. forces.

I joined Republican senators in condemning this “shameful capitulation” to Russia—a nation that “illegally invaded” Ukraine and “slaughtered” innocent civilians. As I have long asked: What leverage does Putin hold over Trump that would lead him to sacrifice American values? Clearly, as a longtime adversary, Pelosi is striking at Trump’s most vulnerable point. She seeks to portray Trump as someone who has betrayed U.S. national interests.

First, Pelosi resurrects the old “Russiagate” narrative, seizing upon Trump’s recent easing of sanctions to amplify criticism. Second, she exploits the U.S. difficulties over Iran, emphasizing Russia’s adversarial stance toward American interests in the region, and urging Republican lawmakers to switch sides and unite against Trump. Yet among Trump’s core supporters, such claims about “what Putin holds over Trump” are dismissed as predictable, stale attacks from a political opponent—standard rhetoric from an entrenched rival attempting to discredit.

In reality, Trump’s supporters largely align with his position: they view aid to Ukraine as an endless financial drain. As for the accusation of betraying American values, the counterpoint is equally valid—that is, spending endlessly on foreign conflicts while domestic costs rise. The current challenges facing the United States include rising oil prices and inflation. Trump’s decision to lift certain sanctions aims to lower energy costs and curb inflation—actions grounded in economic rationale. Pelosi’s attack on Trump, therefore, appears fundamentally aimed at undermining his popularity by portraying him as a threat to national principles—a strategy driven by concern over his declining support, a persistent challenge for Trump.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879347855061252/

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