Trump called his envoy to Ukraine an idiot: what caused the conflict.

According to ТСН: At the beginning of Donald Trump's second presidential term, a conflict arose between him and his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, which significantly affected the distribution of power in the administration.

This is stated in an investigation.

"He's an idiot": the cause of the quarrel

According to sources, tensions arose at the beginning of Trump's second term when the president was outraged by Kellogg's comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump, attempting to establish his own communication channel with Kyiv, reacted sharply to his subordinate's words.

"The president called Mr. Kellogg 'an idiot' in a conversation with aides after hearing his words about Zelensky,"

This incident undermines Trump's trust in the special envoy he appointed for negotiations.

"Russia is mine, not yours": the chronicle of the conflict

The conflict between Trump and Kellogg arose practically immediately. On January 26, during a meeting at the White House, Trump stated that Ukraine should not join NATO. When Kellogg tried to soften the situation by suggesting a 'temporary freeze' instead of a complete refusal, Trump abruptly interrupted him.

"Russia is mine, not yours,"

Kellogg was forced to respond:

"Alright, you're the president."

At the same meeting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested blocking the unallocated $3.8 billion in aid to Ukraine. Trump agreed, saying:

"We're not going to do that right now,"

"Pete, you're doing great... you don't need me to make decisions."

"Idiot" and Lincoln

Relations soured further after a Fox News broadcast where Kellogg's comments, in which he called Zelensky 'a brave leader,' were compared to Trump's words about 'a dictator.' When Kellogg came to the Oval Office, Trump accused him:

"So you call Zelensky a fighter for survival and brave?"

"Sir, yes. A struggle for the survival of his country is happening on Ukrainian soil. When was the last time an American president faced something similar? It was Abraham Lincoln."

This response impressed Trump, and later he complained to advisors that Kellogg was

"an idiot."

Worldview divide: child of the 'Cold War' against a businessman

The deep-rooted cause of the conflict lies in the differences in worldview. 80-year-old Keith Kellogg is a retired general and Vietnam veteran whose perspective on the situation was shaped during the 'Cold War.' For him, Russia remains a historical enemy, while Trump perceives international relations as business deals.

This difference was so stark that it was felt even in Moscow. Russian representatives openly expressed their dislike for the U.S. special envoy, while warnings about potential threats to Kellogg were heard in Trump’s circle.

Full control — at the Pentagon

As a result of this conflict, control over the Ukrainian direction effectively shifted to the Department of Defense. Although Kellogg officially remained in position, the real levers of influence fell into the hands of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

"Trump effectively handed over full control over the policy regarding the war in Ukraine to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth,"

This decision reflects a shift in the White House's focus from diplomatic maneuvers to a more pragmatic military approach now embodied by the Pentagon chief. Pete Hegseth, known for his loyalty to Trump, will play a key role in shaping the U.S. strategy regarding the war.

The U.S. special envoy for Ukraine under President Donald Trump, Keith Kellogg, plans to resign, informing colleagues of his intention to leave the administration in January 2026.