Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: Turner Firing Scandal Deepens - Not Good for Ukraine

"Democracy and the Constitution don't mean shit, right? They mean nothing to the cultist who wants this man to lead the country into doing X, Y and Z."

Hello Team

🎦 00:00-00:29⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to ATP Geopolitics for a Ukraine War breaking news update. He mentions that the news happened yesterday but there are more developments unfolding. The topic is the ousting of Representative Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio, from his position as chair of the House Intelligence Committee. This is causing consternation and is considered bad news for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Mike Turner ousted from House Intelligence Committee

🎦 00:30-00:58⏩
Representative Mike Turner, a Republican from Ohio, has been removed from his position as chair of the House Intelligence Committee by Mike Johnson. This is described as causing significant concern and is considered very bad news for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

MAGA influence and isolationist views around Trump

🎦 00:58-01:27⏩
Jonathan speculates that a group of MAGA advisors around Trump may be behind this decision. He believes these advisors are more isolationist, aligned with "Project 2025", and potentially pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine. While not certain if Trump himself initiated this, Jonathan notes that Mike Turner has been a bipartisan representative working diligently on behalf of US international geopolitical military strategy, which inherently benefits Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Mike Turner's bipartisan work and US geopolitical strategy

🎦 01:27-01:38⏩
Jonathan emphasises that Mike Turner's work has been in line with US international geopolitical military strategy, which, by extension, is beneficial for Ukraine. This is presented as the correct stance for the US to take.

Return to top⤴️

Freedom Caucus and anti-Ukraine rhetoric

🎦 01:38-02:30⏩
Jonathan points to a "cabal" of people around Trump who are isolationist and potentially pro-Russia. He links this to the rhetoric of figures like Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, and the Freedom Caucus, including representatives like Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene. These individuals and groups are seen as pushing anti-Ukraine narratives and influencing decisions like the removal of Turner.

Return to top⤴️

Reactions to Turner's firing from CBS

🎦 02:30-02:52⏩
The video transitions to a CBS news report discussing the "big shakeup" on Capitol Hill. The report highlights the extraordinary nature of firing a Republican chair of the House Intelligence Committee known for being bipartisan. The CBS correspondent notes that sources indicate Speaker Johnson informed Turner he was being fired due to "concerns from Mar-a-Lago," implying the decision came from Donald Trump.

Return to top⤴️

Speaker Johnson's explanation and Trump's influence

🎦 02:52-03:47⏩
The CBS report continues, emphasising the pattern of individuals "bending the knee" to Donald Trump. Those not seen as fully loyal to Trump are facing trouble, especially if deemed outside the ideological makeup of a potential new administration, particularly by the Freedom Caucus and the MAGA right. This is seen as a negative development for Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Trump's demand for loyalty and its implications

🎦 03:47-04:22⏩
Jonathan and the CBS report underscore that loyalty to Donald Trump appears to be the primary criterion for remaining in favour. Even competent individuals are at risk if they are not perceived as being in "obeisance" to Trump and aligned with the MAGA ideology. This is interpreted as a sign of potential autocratic tendencies.

Return to top⤴️

Speaker Johnson denies Trump's involvement

🎦 04:22-04:43⏩
Speaker Johnson is quoted claiming that the decision to remove Mike Turner was a "House decision," not a "President Trump decision," and that it is "no slight whatsoever" on Turner, who he claims did a "great job."

Return to top⤴️

Paul Rykoff's and Jonathan's opinion on Johnson's statement

🎦 04:43-04:57⏩
Jonathan, referencing Paul Rykoff, dismisses Speaker Johnson's statement as "BS." He argues that Johnson is merely an "empty vessel" and that "everything is a Trump decision," or at least a decision made by Trump's team. He describes the situation as the "Trump-Steen roller" picking up steam, suggesting an unstoppable momentum of Trump's influence.

Return to top⤴️

Concerns for Ukraine and Putin's reaction

🎦 04:57-05:04⏩
It is highlighted that Mike Turner has been a critic of Trump and a strong supporter of Ukraine. His removal is seen as a purge that is just beginning, and it is stated that "Ukraine should be concerned" and "Putin is thrilled."

Return to top⤴️

Speaker Johnson's incoherent explanation for firing Turner

🎦 05:04-07:23⏩
The video plays audio clips of Speaker Johnson being questioned about Turner's removal. Johnson gives a rambling and seemingly contradictory explanation, praising Turner's performance while simultaneously saying it's time for "fresh horses" and a "reset." Jonathan analyses Johnson's words, pointing out the incoherence and lack of logical justification for firing someone who is supposedly doing a great job. Johnson also claims it's "not a President Trump decision" and a "House decision," but fails to explain who in the House made the decision or why a reset is needed if Turner is performing well. Johnson then makes a non-sequitur remark about Turner hosting a NATO summit in his district and being effective at getting NATO allies to "pay their dues," which Jonathan interprets as an unnecessary dig at NATO.

Return to top⤴️

NATO digression in Johnson's statement

🎦 07:24-07:44⏩
Jonathan highlights Johnson's seemingly irrelevant comment about NATO as an example of taking note of the "little things" that reveal underlying agendas or biases.

Return to top⤴️

Bill Kristol and "The Purge"

🎦 07:44-08:04⏩
Bill Kristol from The Bulwark is quoted as saying "the purge has begun" in response to Turner's removal. Jonathan interprets this as Trump entering the stage and "clearing the stage" of those not completely loyal to him.

Return to top⤴️

Trump's definition of loyalty vs. American values

🎦 08:06-08:32⏩
Jonathan quotes Donald Trump's emphasis on loyalty, contrasting it with John Bolton's perspective on American loyalty. Bolton argues that in the US context, loyalty should be to the law, the constitution, and national interests, not just to a party leader or president.

Return to top⤴️

Trump's demand for personal loyalty and lackeys

🎦 08:33-08:46⏩
Jonathan asserts that Trump demands personal loyalty to himself, not loyalty in the traditional American sense. He argues Trump wants "lackeys" and this is evident in his nominations for key positions in the executive branch and now in Congress.

Return to top⤴️

Bolton's analysis on Turner's removal

🎦 08:46-09:11⏩
Jonathan references John Bolton's analysis, stating that Speaker Johnson removed Turner at Trump's "behest." Bolton highlights Turner's respected status and bipartisan work, noting Johnson informed Turner of "concerns from Mar-a-Lago" as justification for his removal.

Return to top⤴️

Reasons for Turner's removal: Lack of Trump loyalty

🎦 09:11-09:30⏩
Bolton outlines reasons for Turner's removal. Firstly, Turner hasn't been a "Trump lackey" and has, according to the New York Times, been critical of Trump on several occasions. Specifically, Turner criticised Trump's 2019 call with Zelensky (though he voted against impeachment on that issue).

Return to top⤴️

Reasons for Turner's removal: Criticism of Trump

🎦 09:30-09:46⏩
Secondly, Turner voted to certify the 2020 election results and criticised Trump for calling January 6th convicts "hostages" and for taking classified documents to Mar-a-Lago, describing it as "of grave concern." Bolton views these as "perfectly reasonable assessments" but "unacceptable to Trump."

Return to top⤴️

Reasons for Turner's removal: Serious oversight

🎦 09:46-10:03⏩
Thirdly, Turner took his oversight responsibilities seriously, understanding the importance of congressional oversight of intelligence agencies. He worked closely with Democrats on the committee, like Jim Himes.

Return to top⤴️

Two possible interpretations: Loyalty or anti-Ukraine bias

🎦 10:03-11:10⏩
Jonathan presents two possible interpretations of Turner's removal. One is that Trump wants absolute subservience from everyone in important positions, prioritising personal loyalty above competence or national interest. The other is that it is driven by an anti-Ukraine ideology, as Turner is a strong supporter of Ukraine. Either, or a combination of both, is considered "terribly bad."

Return to top⤴️

Negative implications of Turner's removal

🎦 11:11-11:24⏩
Jonathan argues that Turner's removal suggests either an anti-Ukraine bias at the heart of a potential Trump administration, indicating a flawed US foreign strategy, or that Trump seeks dictatorial power without checks and balances.

Return to top⤴️

Democrat's concern and David Frum's summary

🎦 11:25-11:41⏩
Democrat Jim Himes is quoted expressing strong concern, stating the "purge" sent "chills down my spine." David Frum pithily summarises Trump's rationale for removing Turner as: "knew too much, too patriotic, had to go."

Return to top⤴️

Trump's bad appointees to Intelligence Committee

🎦 11:42-12:05⏩
Jonathan highlights the problematic appointments of Ronny Jackson and Perry to the Intelligence Committee. He argues they demonstrate subservience to Trump and are also "deeply anti-Ukraine," making them unsuitable for these roles.

Return to top⤴️

Loyalty and Ukraine considerations in Turner's removal

🎦 12:05-12:20⏩
Jonathan remains undecided whether loyalty to Trump or an anti-Ukraine stance is the primary driver behind Turner's removal, suggesting it could be "a lot of both," particularly given the appointees like Jackson and Perry.

Return to top⤴️

Ukraine as a key reason for Turner's purge

🎦 12:43-13:08⏩
Jonathan argues that Ukraine is surely a key reason for Turner's purge, as Turner has been a strong champion for Ukraine in the House, and has spoken out against Kremlin propaganda influencing the Republican Party.

Return to top⤴️

Concerns about Trump's potential secret deals on Ukraine

🎦 13:08-13:22⏩
Turner's removal is seen as suggesting Trump might be planning to quickly impose a bad deal for Ukraine or "sell out Ukraine" after assuming office. Having someone like Turner in a key oversight role who could uncover "secret talks," "unannounced concessions," or "secret deals with Vladimir Putin" would be "unacceptable to Trump."

Return to top⤴️

Senate confirmation hearings for Trump nominees

🎦 13:23-13:41⏩
Jonathan mentions upcoming Senate confirmation hearings for Trump's nominees for key intelligence positions: Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel as Director of the FBI. He argues that Turner's purge makes it even more crucial to deny Trump "mere lackeys" in these sensitive roles.

Return to top⤴️

Worrying signs of US sliding towards autocracy

🎦 13:41-14:27⏩
Jonathan expresses deep worry about the US sliding towards autocracy. He points to indicators that Trump demands absolute loyalty and quotes Republicans who state they will unquestioningly follow Trump's directives. This lack of "free thought" and "conscience" in politicians, focused solely on obeying Trump, is equated to "dictatorship."

Return to top⤴️

Republican loyalty to Trump as dictatorship

🎦 14:27-15:16⏩
Jonathan struggles to understand how Trump supporters cannot see these autocratic tendencies or perhaps they desire a "dictator that they would like." He states that for such "cultists," "Democracy and the Constitution don't mean shit." He predicts Ukraine, the world, democracy, and the American people will suffer as a result of this "backsliding."

Return to top⤴️

Fox News report on Crawford as new Intelligence Committee chair

🎦 15:17-15:30⏩
The video shifts to a Fox News report announcing Arkansas Republican Rick Crawford as the new chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Return to top⤴️

Fox News report - Johnson's nonsensical explanation

🎦 15:31-16:24⏩
The Fox News report includes audio of Speaker Johnson offering another confusing explanation for Turner's removal, claiming "there's no problem with Mike Turner," but "we need a reset" and "there's a lot of concern" that has "nothing to do with anybody inside the building here." The Fox News reporter questions the nonsensical nature of Johnson's statements, highlighting the contradictions.

Return to top⤴️

Johnson's unilateral decision and "reset"

🎦 16:24-17:17⏩
The Fox News report clarifies Johnson's claim that it was a "unilateral decision by the speaker," meaning it was solely his decision, not driven by Trump or the Freedom Caucus, which further deepens the mystery and lack of rationale given his positive comments about Turner.

Return to top⤴️

Turner allies' anger and potential Republican House majority issues

🎦 17:18-18:28⏩
Jonathan notes reports that Turner's allies are "fuming" and that one told Fox News he would "never going to vote for another blanking thing around here again." Jonathan reminds viewers of the Republicans' razor-thin majority in the House (217-215). If Turner or his allies withhold votes, it could jeopardise the Republican majority.

Return to top⤴️

Razor-thin Republican majority and no margin for error

🎦 18:29-18:58⏩
Jonathan stresses the precariousness of the Republican majority, stating "there is no margin for error." He argues this move is "bad" for Republicans wanting to push their agenda through Congress. Even one or two Republicans not voting could lead to legislative failures, especially if Democrats act in unison.

Return to top⤴️

Respecter comment on Trump firing Turner and new evidence

🎦 18:59-19:04⏩
Jonathan references a comment from "Respecter" suggesting "new evidence has emerged" that Trump fired Turner.

Return to top⤴️

CNN report - Turner on Russian propaganda affecting Republicans

🎦 19:40-21:03⏩
The video transitions to a CNN report from January 8th featuring Mike Turner. Turner states that "Russian propaganda has made its way into the United States" and "infected a good chunk of my party's base," singling out conservative media channels.

Return to top⤴️

Turner on authoritarianism vs. democracy battle in Ukraine

🎦 21:03-22:21⏩
In the CNN clip, Turner emphasises that the conflict in Ukraine is an "authoritarian versus democracy battle," echoing the views of President Xi and Vladimir Putin. He stresses the need to "stand up for democracy" and provide aid to Ukraine, warning that authoritarian regimes "never stop when they start in aggression."

Return to top⤴️

Negative impact of Turner's removal for Ukraine

🎦 22:22-22:34⏩
Jonathan reiterates that removing Turner, a Republican who could garner Republican support for Ukraine, and replacing him with someone anti-Ukraine is undoubtedly "a bad thing for Ukraine."

Return to top⤴️

Republican supporters of Ukraine should be concerned

🎦 22:35-22:57⏩
Jonathan directly addresses Republicans who support Ukraine, stating they have seen their "administration make a decision that is empirically going to be bad for Ukraine." He questions how this can be interpreted in any other way.

Return to top⤴️

Manu Raju (CNN) and Jim Hines' comments on Turner's expertise

🎦 22:57-24:33⏩
The video shows CNN's Manu Raju reporting on the situation, followed by a clip of Democrat Jim Hines praising Mike Turner's national security expertise. Hines emphasises Turner's crucial role as a "check and balance" on the president and US government through his oversight of intelligence communities.

Return to top⤴️

Concerns about move towards autocracy with Turner's replacement

🎦 24:33-25:15⏩
Jonathan expresses deep concern about the broader implications of Turner's removal, arguing that replacing him with someone pliable, combined with potential appointments of figures like Kash Patel and Pam Bondi, creates "a recipe for an absolute move towards autocracy." He challenges anyone who disagrees to recognise what he sees as happening "before our very eyes."

Return to top⤴️

Republican allies want answers from Speaker Johnson

🎦 25:16-25:23⏩
The CNN report concludes by stating that "members on both sides," especially Turner's GOP allies, are demanding answers from Speaker Johnson about the reasons for his decision.

Return to top⤴️

Jeremy Raskin - Autocrats in Mar-a-Lago and Moscow want Turner out

🎦 25:25-25:41⏩
Jonathan introduces a comment from Jeremy Raskin, who states "the autocrats in Mar-a-Lago don't want him. The autocrats in Moscow don't want him." This reinforces the idea that Turner's removal is beneficial to autocratic forces both domestically and internationally.

Return to top⤴️

Raskin on power, Ukraine support, and Turner's bipartisan history

🎦 25:41-26:21⏩
Raskin's comments continue, highlighting that it's about "power, unbridled power." He notes Turner's pro-Ukraine stance, his votes for aid to Ukraine with Democrats, and his bipartisan history as mayor of Dayton, suggesting these are reasons why autocrats would want him removed.

Return to top⤴️

Jamie Raskin's wry smile and speculation about Turner joining Democrats

🎦 26:22-27:35⏩
Jonathan draws attention to a "wry knowing" smile from Jamie Raskin in the CNN clip. He speculates whether Raskin knows something, perhaps about Turner potentially switching parties and joining the Democrats. This is based on Turner's history of bipartisan work and the "affront and indignity" of his removal, which could lead him to consider such a move.

Return to top⤴️

Rupture in political fabric of House of Representatives

🎦 27:36-27:51⏩
Jonathan emphasises that the Republican Party's treatment of Turner represents a "major rupture in the political fabric of the House of Representatives."

Return to top⤴️

Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic opportunity

🎦 27:51-28:18⏩
Jonathan suggests that Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, would be "buttering him up big time" to potentially persuade Turner to switch parties. This would be a major "coup" for the Democrats and could even happen before Trump is inaugurated, potentially costing Republicans their House majority.

Return to top⤴️

MAGA ideology vs. governing and bipartisanship

🎦 28:19-28:57⏩
Jonathan reiterates his earlier point about MAGA ideology versus the practicalities of governing. He argues that the MAGA camp doesn't understand the need for bipartisan work to govern effectively, especially with a significant number of Democrats still in Congress. Steamrolling bills through Congress with a wafer-thin majority is a "tall order."

Return to top⤴️

Ben Hodges and Adam Kinzinger's comments on Turner's removal

🎦 28:57-29:55⏩
Jonathan cites General Ben Hodges, who calls Turner's removal "a loss to the US intelligence community and a crack in our security," and Adam Kinzinger, who describes Turner as "among the best intel committee chairman" and states his firing proves "there is no oversight, just a rubber stamp Congress." Both express distaste for the situation and the move away from "grown-ups in a room doing what needs to be done, which is working across the aisle."

Return to top⤴️

Bill Kristol - Turner removal and selling out Ukraine to Putin

🎦 29:57-30:27⏩
Bill Kristol is quoted again, stating that if the plan is to "sell out Ukraine to Putin," then "it makes sense to get rid of Turner out of the way first." Jonathan reiterates that the removal is undeniably "beneficial for Russia" and "not beneficial for Ukraine."

Return to top⤴️

Jim Hines - Turner's dedication and danger to national security

🎦 30:28-30:47⏩
Jim Hines is quoted again, praising Turner's dedication to national security and thoughtful oversight, stating his removal "makes our nation less secure and is a terrible portent for what's to come." He also emphasises that Congress should be a check on the executive branch, "not to cater to its demands."

Return to top⤴️

Gary Kasparov - Trump's replacement of "Russia hawk" Turner

🎦 30:48-31:16⏩
Gary Kasparov is quoted, describing Trump's replacement of "Russia hawk Turner" and stating that Crawford, the replacement, has voted against some Ukraine funding, although he has supported lethal aid.

Return to top⤴️

Crawford's Ukraine stance and pliability to Trump

🎦 31:16-31:35⏩
Jonathan notes that while Crawford has supported some lethal aid to Ukraine, other sources indicate he is "generally not a huge supporter of Ukraine" and will be "more pliable to the demands of the Freedom Caucus and to Trump."

Return to top⤴️

Mike Turner's final words and pride in service

🎦 31:35-32:19⏩
Mike Turner's official statement is read, in which he expresses pride in serving as chair of the House Intelligence Committee, praises the committee members, and highlights his work in restoring the committee's integrity and focus on national security. He also mentions his continued advocacy for the military and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and welcoming the NATO Parliamentary Assembly to Dayton.

Return to top⤴️

Republicans Against Trump - Turner still scared to criticise Trump

🎦 32:12-32:40⏩
Republicans Against Trump are quoted criticising Turner's statement as "embarrassing" for not criticising Trump even after being removed. Jonathan speculates that Turner might be "biding his time" and that anonymous sources suggest he is "very angry," hinting at potential future actions.

Return to top⤴️

Potential discomfort for Republicans and Turner's future actions

🎦 32:40-33:03⏩
Jonathan concludes that this situation will likely make the Republican majority "very uncomfortable" as Turner may not be inclined to vote along party lines. He suggests "interesting movement" could occur in the coming days and that Turner's future actions are uncertain.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up

🎦 33:03-33:05⏩
Jonathan ends the video, asking for viewers' thoughts and signing off in his usual manner.

Return to top⤴️