AN INEPT ASSET
How Trump’s Ties to Russia Threatens America and a Second Term would Finish Us
Introduction
I’ve tried to stay silent about my feelings toward Donald Trump because I have friends and family who support him. But I am constantly reminded of Edmund Burke’s quote: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." I grew up with Trump as a public figure, and he has always been a symbol of vacuous ego—a mask for deep-seated low self-esteem. I understand the roots of his issues, being raised by a psychopathological father and missing out on his mother during formative years. Yet, many people with far worse circumstances manage to grow up and overcome their challenges.
I struggle to understand his followers, though I recognize they've been corralled into echo chambers by divide-and-conquer algorithms that exploit their fears and anger, keeping them glued to social and corporate media—just as we've all been. Despite this, I have faith in the American people and believe that one day they will come to their senses, realizing how this man is undermining our great nation by falsely claiming we're a failed country with a failed economy, despite the evidence to the contrary.
I am convinced that Trump is a groomed asset working against our national interests, and in this article, I aim to make that case. However, I am aware that many of his supporters may never read this because it challenges the reality they've been led to believe.
The notion that Donald Trump has been a long-standing asset of the Russian state, initially the Soviet Union, has persisted for decades. This theory, while often dismissed as conspiracy, gains weight when one examines Trump's history from the 1970s onwards. This article will provide a historical analysis of Trump's connections to Russia, suggesting that he was groomed as an asset by the Soviet Union, but ultimately, his incompetence has hindered his ability to fully execute his presumed mission to undermine the United States.
The Beginnings: Trump’s Early Ties to Russia
Trump's relationship with Russia began in the late 1970s when he started showing interest in the Soviet Union, then a formidable global superpower. During this time, the KGB was actively seeking Western influencers who could be co-opted into supporting Soviet interests. Trump's interest in building a hotel in Moscow and his frequent trips to Russia in the 1980s and 1990s provided fertile ground for the Soviet Union to cultivate a relationship with him.
Trump's visit to Russia in 1987 is particularly notable. He went on an all-expenses-paid trip, ostensibly to explore business opportunities. Upon returning to the U.S., Trump began floating the idea of running for president and placed full-page ads in major newspapers criticizing U.S. foreign policy and NATO—stances that closely aligned with Soviet interests. The KGB’s modus operandi involved nurturing individuals who could one day hold influence over American policy, and Trump, with his ambition and malleability, was an ideal candidate.
The 1990s: Financial Troubles and Russian Rescues
Throughout the 1990s, Trump's businesses were in deep financial trouble. His casinos in Atlantic City were failing, and he faced bankruptcy. During this period, Trump turned to Russian oligarchs and shady financial institutions for capital. The influx of Russian money into Trump's businesses during this time helped him to recover from near financial ruin. These funds were often funneled through secretive shell companies and other opaque financial vehicles, a tactic commonly used by Russian intelligence to launder money and maintain control over assets.
The most compelling evidence of Trump’s ties to Russian money comes from his son, Donald Trump Jr., who in 2008 stated, "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets… We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia." This admission highlights the extent to which Trump's business empire was entangled with Russian interests, raising suspicions about his loyalties.
The 2016 Election: Russian Influence and Trump's Stumble
The 2016 U.S. presidential election marked the culmination of decades of grooming, as Russia mounted an unprecedented campaign to influence the outcome in Trump's favor. The Russian government deployed cyber tactics, social media manipulation, and disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing discord in the United States. The Mueller Report, while not conclusively proving collusion, documented numerous contacts between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. Trump’s public request for Russia to hack Hillary Clinton’s emails further demonstrated his willingness to collaborate with a foreign power.
However, despite Russia’s efforts to help Trump, his presidency was marred by ineptitude and a lack of coherent strategy. His inability to focus on policy, his disregard for expert advice, and his constant pursuit of personal vendettas prevented him from effectively executing any long-term strategy to undermine American institutions. His administration was plagued by chaos, resignations, and scandals, which severely limited his capacity to achieve any meaningful objectives.
Post-Presidency: Continuing Influence and Increasing Incompetence
Since leaving office, Trump has continued to espouse rhetoric that aligns with Russian interests, particularly in his criticism of NATO and the U.S. intelligence community. His refusal to condemn Russia’s actions, such as the invasion of Ukraine, further underscores his ongoing affinity for Russian policy. However, his influence has waned, and his efforts to remain politically relevant have been increasingly erratic and counterproductive.
Trump's post-presidential ventures, such as his involvement in the January 6th insurrection, have further exposed his inability to effectively lead or enact any coherent plan. His continued legal troubles and the increasing fragmentation of his political base reveal that, while he may still pose a threat, his incompetence is his greatest weakness.
Enemies Domestic
Donald Trump was considered dangerous by many for actions and policies that seemed to align with Vladimir Putin's interests, raising concerns about his commitment to American national security. Here are some ways in which Trump was perceived to be doing Putin's bidding:
1. Undermining NATO: Trump repeatedly criticized NATO, calling it "obsolete" and threatening to withdraw the United States from the alliance. This stance weakened the cohesion of the Western alliance, which has been a significant counterbalance to Russian influence in Europe.
2. Weakening U.S. Intelligence: Trump often dismissed or downplayed the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election. This undermined trust in these agencies and their ability to counter foreign threats, particularly those posed by Russia.
3. Withholding Military Aid to Ukraine: Trump's decision to withhold military aid to Ukraine, which was fighting Russian-backed separatists, was seen as aligning with Russian interests. This move became central to his first impeachment, where it was alleged that Trump conditioned the aid on Ukraine launching investigations into his political rivals.
4. Cozying Up to Putin: Trump consistently praised Putin and appeared reluctant to criticize him publicly, even in the face of actions like the annexation of Crimea, election interference, and the poisoning of political dissidents. This raised concerns about Trump's motives and whether he was prioritizing personal or political gains over national security.
5. Advocating for Russia's Return to G7: Trump pushed for Russia's readmission to the G7 (making it the G8 again), despite Russia being expelled after its annexation of Crimea. This move was widely criticized as undermining international efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggressive actions.
6. Weak Response to Russian Aggression: Under Trump's leadership, the U.S. response to Russian aggression, including election interference and cyberattacks, was seen as tepid. His administration imposed some sanctions, but many critics felt these actions were insufficient and delayed, giving Russia a freer hand to pursue its objectives.
7. Dismantling Arms Control Agreements: Trump withdrew the U.S. from several arms control agreements, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which had helped limit Russian nuclear capabilities. This move was seen as destabilizing and potentially beneficial to Russia's military ambitions.
These actions collectively raised alarms that Trump was not adequately safeguarding U.S. interests, and instead, might have been advancing Putin’s strategic goals, either wittingly or unwittingly.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s long history of connections to Russia, dating back to the 1970s, suggests that he was groomed as a potential asset by the Soviet Union and later by Russian interests. However, despite the significant influence he has wielded, Trump’s inability to execute a coherent strategy has ultimately limited the damage he could inflict on the United States. While he has certainly posed a threat, his incompetence has been America’s saving grace. As history unfolds, it remains crucial to recognize the dangers of foreign influence in U.S. politics while also acknowledging that not all who are groomed for such purposes are capable of fulfilling their intended roles.
Thank goodness the Soviets chose a moron.
