Donald Trump waived new sanctions on Russia despite an 86–11 Senate vote, and some of his strongest critics are Republicans. In today's Filtered with TJ Walker, TJ examines why senators are pushing back, what the decision means for Vladimir Putin and Ukraine, and why economist Paul Krugman titled his latest assessment of Trump's Russia policy "The Traitor in Chief."

Christiane Amanpour has announced plans to leave CNN after 43 years, offering a parting reminder: "Always be truthful, not neutral." TJ connects that message to Krugman's criticism of Trump's treatment of Ukraine, reported restrictions on American assistance, and the debate over Russia's role in the war with Iran.

Also in today's show:

Truth Social: Trump's social media company's stock hits a reported new low as user traffic declines.

Trump's $8 billion farmer bailout: Farmers get diesel-price relief, but what about Americans paying more to drive to work?

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: Why is an executive calling for inheritance taxes approaching 100% while defending extra charges for preferred airline seats?

From Putin and Ukraine to Truth Social, fuel prices, and the wealth tax debate, TJ separates the reported developments from his own pointed commentary and humor.

Sources and further reading:

Trump's Russia sanctions waiver — Axios

https://www.axios.com/2026/10/17/trum...

Paul Krugman, "The Traitor in Chief" — Substack

https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/th...

Christiane Amanpour's CNN departure — The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/media/202...

Trump's $8 billion farm fuel relief announcement — Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-l...

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's tax proposals — Yahoo Finance

https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/art...

Subscribe to Filtered with TJ Walker for daily political commentary, news analysis, and a few laughs at the expense of people who take themselves far too seriously.

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Donald Trump’s approval among Republicans has fallen from 88% to 79%, according to a new ABC News poll. In this episode of Filtered with TJ Walker, TJ examines why Trump's own supporters are losing confidence, what Republicans are saying about the White House, and what it could mean for the November 2026 midterm elections.

One in five Republicans now disapproves of Trump. In my business, that's customer churn. In his, it's treason.

And the polling is only the beginning.

TJ breaks down a remarkable week of political turmoil: White House press secretary Katie Zacharia's departure after just five days, the allegations surrounding Kimberly Guilfoyle's removal as ambassador to Greece, and a Fox News poll finding government corruption is voters' biggest concern.

Then there's Trump's Russia policy. A controversial Russian diesel arrangement, growing tensions with Ukraine, and questions surrounding Elon Musk's Starshield technology raise an uncomfortable issue: What exactly is America getting from these decisions?

Across the Atlantic, Emmanuel Macron faces widespread unrest in France, where anger over living costs has escalated into riots, thousands of arrests, and the destruction of a historic city hall.

TJ connects the stories through one question: What happens when political leaders blame their countries for their own failures?

In this episode:

Trump's Republican approval falls nine percentage points.

Republicans speak out about Trump's political problems.

Katie Zacharia's five-day White House press secretary tenure.

Kimberly Guilfoyle and the reported $100,000 donor-payment controversy.

Trump's Russian diesel deal and tensions with Ukraine.

Elon Musk's Starshield and questions over military access.

Paul Krugman's warning about political retaliation.

Emmanuel Macron, French protests, and the burning of Limoges city hall.

Sources and reporting:

ABC News - Trump approval and midterm polling: https://abcnews.com/Politics/democrat...

Fox News - Voter concerns about government corruption: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6406917...

Axios - Katie Zacharia's departure: https://www.axios.com/2026/10/16/trum...

The Wall Street Journal - Kimberly Guilfoyle donor allegations: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/g...

Reuters - Trump, Russia, and Ukraine: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/...

AFP - Civil unrest in France: https://www.afp.com/en/macron-denounc...

Subscribe to Filtered with TJ Walker for daily political commentary, sharp analysis, and humor about the people running the world.

More about the show: https://www.tjwalker.com/filtered/

What's changing the minds of Republican voters? Share your reasoning in the comments.

#FilteredWithTJWalker #TrumpApproval #Midterms2026

88% of registered voters are seriously concerned about government corruption, according to a new Fox News poll. Now Donald Trump faces uncomfortable questions about political influence, billionaire spending, and accountability in Washington.

In today's episode of Filtered with TJ Walker (October 16, 2026), TJ breaks down the political controversies dominating the headlines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The major stories:

Fox News Corruption Poll: A staggering 88% of voters say they're extremely or very concerned about government corruption, while only 18% say their families are better off than two years ago. What does that mean for Trump's promises to drain the swamp?

Elon Musk's $158 Million Political Push: Musk's massive donations to a Senate Republican super PAC are helping Ken Paxton's Texas Senate campaign against Democrat James Talarico. TJ asks whether billionaires have too much influence over American elections.

Kimberly Guilfoyle's Ambassador Scandal: Trump's former ambassador to Greece steps down amid allegations involving a donor and personal financial obligations. Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing.

Matt Gaetz's Federal Lawsuit: The former congressman and Trump's onetime attorney general nominee faces serious allegations in a federal sex-trafficking lawsuit. Gaetz denies the allegations. TJ examines the case and the political fallout.

Pete Hegseth's Execution Livestream Controversy: The defense secretary wanted to broadcast the execution of convicted Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. Donald Trump rejected the plan, creating an extraordinary clash over military justice, public spectacle, and presidential judgment.

From billionaire campaign contributions to Washington scandals, TJ connects the stories with sharp political satire, pointed observations, and his signature communication-coach perspective.

The question: If Americans are more worried about government corruption than almost anything else, who is actually listening?

Watch the full episode, share your thoughts in the comments, and SUBSCRIBE to Filtered with TJ Walker for political commentary, breaking-news analysis, and a fresh perspective on American politics.

This program contains political opinion and satire. Legal allegations discussed are not findings of guilt.

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