Trump stunned European leaders and members of his own party in congress when he announced the U.S. would buy diesel from Russia. He also told Ukraine to stop targeting Russia's energy infrastructure, and publicly criticized Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky saying he should be replaced. What motivates President Trump right now when it comes to Russia and Ukraine? 

Federal agents raided the home of Democratic lawmaker Ilhan Omar, a fierce Trump critic. The Justice Department won’t say what they’re investigating, but Omar and her allies say the president is weaponizing federal law enforcement in an intensifying campaign of political intimidation. When stories like this surface in this political climate, do the facts of the investigation even matter, or do too many of us  stay firmly planted in our echo chambers and pass judgment immediately?

And a listener asks us for help to keep hope alive that his local elected leaders can and will do the right thing for their constituents. 

Producer: Leo Duran

Host: David Greene 

Guests: 

• Mo Elleithee, executive director at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service - @MoElleithee
• Sarah Longwell, author of "How To Eat An Elephant: One Voter At A Time," publisher of The Bulwark, and host of the “Focus Group” podcast - @SarahLongwell25