Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:After a high-stakes meeting between Vladimir Putin and Middle East Ambassador Steve Witkoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed President Donald Trump may soon meet Putin — possibly alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Political commentator Hugh Hewitt weighed in on the risks and opportunities of such talks, while discussions also turned to Israel’s plan to rescue hostages from Hamas and Trump’s potential reforms to the Endangered Species Act impacting U.S. farmers, ranchers, and builders
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting on the Horizon
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:In a development that could reshape the geopolitical landscape, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that President Donald Trump may soon hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin — a meeting initiated at Putin’s request. Rubio stated that, if discussions continue to make progress, there is also a possibility of a trilateral meeting involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The revelation follows what has been described as a high-stakes and productive meeting between Putin and Middle East Ambassador Steve Witkoff.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:Fox News contributor and political commentator Hugh Hewitt described this as “the poker table of politics,” warning that such a meeting is inherently risky but could carry significant potential. Hewitt admitted skepticism about dealing with Putin, noting that many past U.S. presidents — George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden — have tried to engage with him without lasting success. Calling Putin “a KGB colonel at heart,” Hewitt stressed that he remains a ruthless and calculating leader. However, he cautioned against underestimating Trump’s negotiating abilities, referencing moments when adversaries like Iran misjudged him, leading to decisive U.S. military responses.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:According to Hewitt, recent developments, including U.S. sanctions targeting India, may have indirectly pressured Putin by threatening to dry up his black-market oil sales — a key source of funding for the war in Ukraine. This, Hewitt suggested, could open the door to a meaningful deal. But he echoed Zelenskyy’s warning that “everything with Putin is about follow-through.” Putin, Hewitt said, is “a spy, a killer, a tough man,” but he believes Trump would not allow himself to be outmaneuvered.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:When asked about the matter at an Apple event, Trump said that recent talks with Putin had gone well and that there was “a very good chance” for a meeting in the near future. He hinted this could mark “the end of the bad road” in Ukraine, though he emphasized caution. Hewitt likened the situation to Winston Churchill’s famous phrase, calling it “the end of the beginning” — an important milestone, but not the final chapter. He also pointed out that Trump understands how America’s energy dominance serves as both its “greatest sword and shield” in global politics.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:The discussion then shifted to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, where Secretary Rubio criticized the lack of focus on the 20 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. While much attention has been given to humanitarian issues, Rubio argued that there has not been enough emphasis on the need to disarm and dismantle Hamas entirely.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:Hewitt strongly agreed, describing Hamas as “not just a terrorist organization but the most sadistic,” accusing the group of inflicting suffering both on hostages and the people of Gaza. He condemned global leaders — including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Andrew Carney — for recognizing a Palestinian state, claiming this gave Hamas the false impression it was winning. Hewitt asserted that Hamas is “not winning” and that both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are committed to ensuring it stays that way.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:He also shared that Israel’s security cabinet is expected to meet at 6 p.m. Israel time, with Netanyahu likely to order the IDF to take action to rescue the hostages. Reports indicate the hostages are being kept in underground tunnels under life-threatening conditions — starving, digging their own graves, and facing imminent death. Hewitt argued that Hamas could end the war immediately by releasing them, but if they refuse, Israel will “do what it has to do” to both save the hostages and eliminate Hamas.
The conversation then pivoted to U.S. domestic policy, with Hewitt calling on Trump to reform what he called the “abuse” of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Originally passed in 1973 with 78 listed species, the ESA now protects over 1,300 species. Hewitt argued that many of these listings are based on “bogus criteria” — speculative future population declines rather than verified current threats.
Hewitt proposed two key reforms: first, removing species from the list that were added under questionable projections, and second, compensating property owners whose land use is restricted due to ESA regulations. He noted that once an endangered species is found on a property, landowners face severe restrictions — sometimes even criminal penalties — for disturbing them, no matter how minor the interaction.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:He also called for replacing 9,000 entrenched bureaucrats in environmental agencies with individuals who respect the Fifth Amendment’s protection of property rights. According to Hewitt, Trump could implement these reforms via executive orders with the help of Secretary Doug Burgum.
The issue, he said, has struck a nerve nationwide, particularly among farmers, ranchers, and homebuilders who have been prevented from using their land due to ESA restrictions. Hewitt cited Florida as a prime example, where construction projects have been halted over species such as the “flower-loving fly.” He argued that many of the bureaucrats enforcing these rules are not scientists but environmental activists whose priorities conflict with housing and infrastructure needs.
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting:As President Trump navigates this complex mix of foreign and domestic challenges — from negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine, to supporting Israel in its fight against Hamas, to reforming environmental policy — his administration faces both high expectations and intense scrutiny. Supporters view these efforts as decisive steps toward securing U.S. interests and restoring stability, while critics warn that the risks involved, particularly in dealing with figures like Vladimir Putin, could have lasting consequences.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available statements, interviews, and commentary from political figures and analysts. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political advice, endorsement, or criticism. The views and opinions quoted belong to the individuals cited and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.