This video captures a Senate defense hearing where Senator John Kennedy questioned top U.S. military officials about strategic challenges, including China's anxiety over Taiwan, Ukraine's successful drone warfare against Russia (which has damaged 40% of Russia's oil export capacity), and the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The officials discussed the complex calculus of military preparedness, diplomatic leverage, and the balance between maintaining stability and addressing strategic vulnerabilities in key regions.
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LIVE: 'Between Ukraine & Russia, Who Do We Want To Win The War?': Kennedy Grills Top Marine OfficialAdded:
appreciated and worked. So general, >> what but I'm sorry. What more do we have to know, Adam? President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be. Sir, >> they'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
>> Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay. But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. >> Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General, uh is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not. between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did. But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones.
>> And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are. In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir. And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade. It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we? I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion and twothirds of that about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine?
>> Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana.
But let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia.
Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we'd prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was gonna roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it general >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know Adam President she has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
Need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana. But let's get them built.
Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia. Right.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that that 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has learned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That$225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that that 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put is he's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that that 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know Adam? President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has learned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. >> Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it general >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
Need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built.
Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have. They're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That$225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has learned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia.
over a hundred times, not on the border, within Russia. Right.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that $200 to $225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct. And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over. That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine?
>> Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was gonna roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia.
over a hundred times, not on the border, within Russia. Right.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion and twothirds of that about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that $200 to $225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct. And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over. That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would Would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine?
>> Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know Adam President she has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has learned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. >> Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
against her. I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that that 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh, general uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sure, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
against her. I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it general >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
Need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana.
But let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have. They're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That$225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Adam, President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has learned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia.
over a hundred times, not on the border, within Russia. Right.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that $200 to $225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct. And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over. That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine?
>> Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan now. We don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana.
But let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That$225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh, General, uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we'd prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia.
over a hundred times, not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I am not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that $200 to $225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct. And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over. That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, >> again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia.
over a hundred times, not on the border, within Russia. Right.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I am not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that $200 to $225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct. And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over. That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, >> again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan now. We don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana.
But let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia.
Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we'd prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sure, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it general >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't think we ought to sell them, >> sir. I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built.
Need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built.
Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have. They're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that that 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. There's not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know Adam President she has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has learned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones. And and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. Uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia.
over a hundred times, not on the border, within Russia. Right.
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I will take your word for that, sir.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it?
>> Again, sir, I am not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that $200 to $225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is.
>> No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct. And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over. That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, >> again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know? Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety, his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan, why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana.
But let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia.
Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we'd prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is. Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was gonna roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure of that, sir. But I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion. Well, let me strike that that 225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen is not a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Well, again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question.
Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this.
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan."
Now, we don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it general >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know Adam President she has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar. But I'm selling these weapons.
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they?"
>> Yes, sir.
>> Don't you think we ought to sell them?
Sir, I'm not going to get in front of the administration's overall calculus on that. That's just not a I'm not going to make a statement on that as a service chief.
>> Okay?
>> But I but the the capabilities that we're talking about would make them more effective. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. We need more ships. We're going to give you money to build more ships. You need to get those ships built. You need to build as many of them as you can in Louisiana, but let's get them built. Uh General Uh, is Russia our friend?
>> Sir, they're not >> between Ukraine and Russia. Who do we want to win that war?
>> Well, we prefer there not be a war, but obviously >> Well, but there is Who do we want to win?
>> Obviously, we want Ukraine to stand independently and not be consumed by Russia.
>> Okay. Now, when Putin went into Ukraine, he thought he was going to roll in and take it over in two days like thunder on a summer night, didn't he?
>> I believe he did.
>> But the Ukrainian people have fought back, haven't they?
>> Yes, sir. They have fought back.
>> And they now have some of the some of the most sophisticated drone technology in the history of the world, don't they?
>> Sir, they do. They're doing very well with drones >> and and they're giving with the limited resources they have, they're giving Russia a curb stomping, aren't they?
>> I would say they are.
>> In fact, they have knocked out with their limited resources 40% of Russia's export ability of their oil. uh they since January using their drones and limited cruise missiles, they have hit uh oil and and gas facilities within Russia over a hundred times. Not on the border, within Russia, right?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And Putin was so scared he almost had to to to uh cancel their military parade.
It didn't he?
>> Well, I'm not sure that, sir. But I I will take your word for that. Sure.
>> Okay. All right. Well, how how much money? Now, let me just lead you. Uh the world has $300 billion dollar of frozen uh Russian assets in escrow, don't we?
>> I I don't know, sir.
>> I do. It's 300 billion. And twothirds of that, about 200 225 billion is sitting in in uh Europe, isn't it? Again, sir, I'm not sure of that.
>> Well, I am. And and I'm surprised, no disrespect, that you don't know. Um, and Europe has asked our permission to take that 200 to$225 billion.
Well, let me strike that. That$225 billion, humor me, uh, that's sitting there frozen. Isn't a single penny is American taxpayer money, is it?
>> I don't believe it is. No, it all belongs to Russia, doesn't it?
>> I believe that is correct.
>> And the EU has asked our permission to take that money and give it to to Ukraine so they can knock Russia in the next week and let's get this war over.
That's a good idea, don't you think?
>> Well, I think anything that can be done to stop that war is a good idea, sir.
>> Would would you support giving that 200 225 billion no taxpayer money in America to to Ukraine? Again, sir, that's outside my purview as a service chief.
>> Okay. Um, Admiral, let me let me ask you a question. Um, would it be fair to say based on his public and notorious comments both before, during, and after the summit between President Xi and uh and President Trump, that President Xi, how can I put this?
He's nervous as a pregnant nun about what we're going to do on Taiwan, isn't he?
>> Sir, I do think he is concerned about our capability against any invasion of Taiwan.
>> I mean, talk about talk about telegraphing your insecurities.
I mean, he talked about it right out of the shoot. He's practically sending us a a television ad saying, "I'm very worried about Taiwan now. We don't want a war with China, do we?
>> Absolutely not.
>> No. We want stability though with China, don't we?
>> Yes, sir.
>> And China doesn't recognize President Xi doesn't recognize charity, does he?
>> Um, I can't speak to that, but I would say probably not.
>> Well, he he he he appreciates strength, doesn't he?
>> I would say so. Yes. If you're in a bar fight with President Xi and you start quoting Socrates like we did under President Biden, you're you're going to get your rear end whipped, aren't you?
>> That's probably not a good course of action.
>> Yes. Okay. So, why don't we go ahead?
Don't you think it'd be a good idea for us to to to gain leverage to to make weapon sales to Taiwan right now? Sir, again these things are very complex and a full calculus of all the levers of power that are being negotiated and worked. So it generally >> what but I'm sorry what more do we have to know Admiral President Xi has te telegraphed his anxiety his insecurity now that he knows that America has relearned how to fight. We want leverage. We want stability, not a hot war. We want leverage. What's his insecurity? Taiwan.
Why don't we just go ahead and sell the weapons to Taiwan that Taiwan wants? The president can call President Xi and say, "Hey, President Xi, don't take it personally. Don't get excited. Don't get your bows in an uproar, but I'm selling these weapons."
Why wouldn't we do that?
>> We definitely want Taiwan to be as strong as they can be, sir.
>> They'd be stronger with those weapons, though, wouldn't they? Yes, sir.
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