Eugene Throws Trump a Curve-Ball

Throwing Trump Off-Kilter During the Joint Address

Like many of you, I had low expectations for Trump’s congressional address earlier this week. Given the damage wrought by his policies and the chaos unleashed by the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” I expected little more than a campaign rally disguised as a presidential address.

At one point during the joint session, Trump began gearing up for a rant against American military aid to Ukraine. Having already frozen weapons deliveries and undermined the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, he couldn’t resist adding another grievance to his list. As he referenced the billions of dollars in aid, he was poised to launch into his tirade—until, with impeccable timing, Eugene stood up and cheered the aid before Trump could even get started. The moment threw Trump off balance in the middle of his speech, prompting him to blurt out, “You’d be happy to provide another five years of aid to Ukraine?” Without hesitation, Eugene responded, “Yes!” I loved that exchange. It stopped Trump in his tracks and forced him to confront a direct challenge.