What Category of Russian Asset IS Donald Trump? Yes, "Useful Idiot" Or Other...He Most Definitely IS One.

Is Trump a Russian asset? There is NO question about this. While he's not "run" by Russia, he clearly is in a state of always wanting to please Vladimir Putin. That's enough. At worst he is a direct asset, at least he is a "Useful Idiot", as he has proven time and time again.

Donald Trump is not a very educated, or very smart man. He is however a clever con man. The two are not the same.

The confusion comes in that he WAS once very well "educated" as a verb, but not very well educated as an adverb. On the one hand, "educated" as an adjective describes a state—you are then educated once you have undergone that process and acquired knowledge or skills.

When I was in university, I knew students who coasted through school, while I was studying nearly every second of every day. I entered higher education after serving in the military, so I was a bit older and more mature than most of my peers. I was using my VA benefits and felt a strong sense of obligation to make the most of those public funds. I was confident that I would leave with a better education than many of my friends. While some seemed to barely study, party often, and still had a natural brilliance that would serve them well after college, they were few and far between. As for the others, I knew some would struggle in the business world, while others, like Trump, seemed to fail upward, as if luck followed them around.

I was rewarded with my psychology department adviser once telling me that I was one of the top 10% of the top 10% of all psychology undergrads at any university. I questioned him on that, thinking he was just being nice. But he thought for a moment and then replied that he believed he was being very accurate in his assessment. Rough calculations on that offer being a part of 3,750 students. While that may be a lot, it's a nice group to be grouped within. And not the greater number of 337,500 psychology university students.

I only mention that to say, while I was tested at a higher than normal IQ, I'm no genius. I worked very hard for my education. To clarify that, my grades might not reflect it in you check my transcript. I remember thinking about that one day at university. I realized I could get an "A" on a paper, or I could instead get a lower grade but learn a lot more (that's the case, I won't bother here to justify the correctness of that). I took the education and knowledge over the better grade. After graduating no one ever checked my grades, just that I had the degree. I felt I made the correct decision.

Acquiring a university degree does not make one smart. You have to choose to do that. If you feel you are coasting, you're not trying hard enough. When you think you're at your limits, you're on the right path. Challenge yourself. Push your limits. I was always talking to my professors, mining their minds for all I could. Asking for more work. Taking the harder road to learn as much as possible. 

Trump, I am confident in saying, never did that. Just to talk to him you can see that is clear. No one ever said that about me after a conversation. 

One MUST maintain one's college degree over one's lifetime. Which Trump has never done. Because he's a narcissist and a very lazy man when it comes to intellectual pursuits. See, narcissists don't need to maintain or increase their perceived "brilliance" or "genius", because to them it's inherent. Trump's mind is akin to an over-ripened Durian fruit no one wanted. 

Where Trump stumbles into his ignorance being exposed, he avoids, feigns competence, deflects, misdirects, answers with a question or questions the questioner (or attacks the veracity of the questioner), manipulates, bullies, dissembles, tangents off from, obfuscates, minimizes, or lies. Or find a way to agree with the other person, in such a way so as to appear to be correct, only in a tangential, often ridiculous way, where often, people are so uncomfortable they merely wish for the situation to end and to move onto something, anything, else. 

People like Trump rely on that uncomfortableness. He also enjoys power abuse, which is another issue entirely (i.e., saying he was and doing it, brushing off "dandruff" from the shoulders of the President of France, a disgusting display of narcissistic abuse or power manipulation, humiliating power play, or dominance display. Putrid, small men do this who wish to appear powerful. It is not presidential. But when you're leader of the most powerful and richest country in the history of the world, what are others supposed to do to correct this type of bad behavior. Yeah, it's a trap. Like Trump abusing shaking hards obnoxiously, and pulling people into him. Something those of larger physical stature do when they are bullies.

The term "Russian asset" in espionage refers to individuals or entities that serve the interests of Russian intelligence agencies by providing information, influence, or support. In the case of former U.S. President Donald Trump, there is no definitive evidence to classify him as a Russian asset in the traditional espionage sense. However, his actions and associations have led to extensive scrutiny and debate regarding his relationship with Russia.

Associations and Financial Ties:

• Business Dealings: Trump's business activities have included dealings with entities linked to Russia. For instance, Deutsche Bank, which provided Trump with substantial loans, was implicated in facilitating Russian money laundering schemes. Trump's son, Donald Jr., remarked in 2008 that "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets."

  Wikipedia

• Campaign Connections: Investigations have revealed interactions between Trump associates and Russian officials during the 2016 presidential campaign. Notably, Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign chairman, had ties to Konstantin Kilimnik, alleged to be a Russian intelligence officer.

  Wikipedia

Public Perceptions and Claims:

• Some commentators have suggested that Trump's actions align with those expected of a Russian asset, citing his favorable stance toward Russia and President Vladimir Putin. For example, an article in Foreign Policy posited that Trump's behavior mirrors that of a Russian asset.

  Foreign Policy

• Conversely, fact-checking efforts have debunked specific claims, such as allegations that Trump was recruited by the KGB in the 1980s under the codename "Krasnov." These claims lack credible evidence.

  Euronews

While Donald Trump's actions and associations with Russian entities have raised questions about his relationship with Russia, there is no conclusive evidence to label him as a Russian asset in the espionage context. The available information suggests a complex interplay of business interests, political interactions, and public perceptions, but it does not substantiate claims of espionage or covert allegiance.

an asset doesn't necessarily have to be directly recruited by a foreign intelligence service to be considered a "useful asset" in espionage. The key point is whether the actions of that individual or entity benefit the interests of the country in question—in this case, Russia—regardless of direct involvement in espionage activities. Based on that, Donald Trump's actions and positions can be analyzed from a broader perspective to see how they could be interpreted as benefiting Russian interests, even if there’s no direct proof of him being a Russian spy.

Potential "Asset" Traits:

1. Favorable Rhetoric Toward Russia and Putin:

   • Throughout his presidency and beyond, Trump often expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin. His reluctance to criticize Putin, even in the face of accusations of Russian interference in U.S. elections and aggression in Ukraine, could be seen as aligning with Russian interests.
   • For example, his comments like, "I don’t see any reason why it would be Russia", when questioned about Russia's interference in the 2016 election, were controversial and raised concerns about his stance on Russian actions.

2. Foreign Policy Decisions:

   • Trump’s foreign policy was seen by some as favorable to Russian interests. His decisions, such as withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, weakening NATO, and suggesting that the U.S. should reduce its commitments to the alliance, were viewed as aligning with Russia's goal of weakening Western unity.
   • His attempts to warm relations with Russia, including meetings with Putin, were perceived as potentially beneficial for Russia’s global position.

3. Business Ties with Russia:

   • Trump had numerous business ties to Russian entities, especially through his real estate dealings. The Trump Organization explored projects in Russia, though none materialized during his presidency, leading some to argue that Trump’s reluctance to challenge Russia could be influenced by potential business interests.
   • The claim by his son, Donald Jr., in 2008, that "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets" suggests that there were significant financial ties that may have been considered beneficial to Russian interests.

4. Public Perception and Influence:

   • Some analysts have argued that Trump’s divisive rhetoric, which often undermined democratic institutions and supported populist causes, played into Russian strategies to create instability in Western democracies.
   • His support for far-right movements, and skepticism about liberal democracies and NATO, could be seen as unwittingly helping Russian efforts to weaken these institutions and advance its geopolitical goals.

5. Cybersecurity and Election Interference:

   • The Russian government's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election through hacking and disinformation campaigns was widely recognized as an effort to benefit Trump’s candidacy. While Trump himself wasn’t directly involved in the hacking, his victory (and the narrative of Russian support for him) helped sow division in the U.S. political system, benefiting Russian interests.
   • Trump's dismissiveness of the investigations into Russian interference, combined with his public statements questioning the legitimacy of U.S. intelligence agencies, helped cast doubt on the U.S. government's response to Russian actions.

If we look at the broader concept of what makes someone an asset in espionage—being someone whose actions or positions benefit the foreign power’s interests—then Donald Trump’s rhetoric, policy decisions, and business connections can certainly be interpreted as beneficial to Russian objectives. While there's no definitive evidence that he was knowingly acting as a "Russian agent" or that he was directly influenced by Russian intelligence agencies, his actions during his presidency and beyond have consistently aligned with Russian strategic interests, making him, in the eyes of some, a kind of unwitting asset.

This perspective doesn't require a direct line of accountability or recruitment by Russian intelligence, but rather a view that his actions indirectly served Russian goals on the global stage.

Analyzing former U.S. President Donald Trump's actions through the lens of benefiting Vladimir Putin involves assessing both direct and indirect influences over varying timeframes. While definitive evidence of covert collaboration is lacking, several actions during Trump's tenure suggest alignment with Russian interests.

Near-Term Benefits (2017–2021):

1. Policy Decisions Favoring Russia:

   • NATO Relations: Trump's expressed desire to reintegrate Russia into the G7, stating, "I’d love to have them back," was seen as a move that could benefit Putin's global standing.
     Politico Europe
   • Ukraine Conflict: Trump's attempts to broker peace in Ukraine often leaned towards Russian interests, with his proposed ceasefire plans being dismissed by Putin as insufficient.
     BILD

2. Business Connections:

   • Russian Investments: Despite Trump's claims of no financial interests in Russia, investigations revealed that Russian individuals invested at least $98 million in Trump-branded properties in southern Florida.
     Reuters
   • Real Estate Dealings: In 2008, Trump sold a Palm Beach mansion to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev for $95 million, nearly double his purchase price, highlighting significant financial ties.
     Eric Swalwell

Distant Benefits (Pre-Presidency):

1. Financial Rescues:

   • In the 1990s, facing financial difficulties, Trump received investments from Russian oligarchs, which helped stabilize his business ventures.
     Foreign Policy

2. Business Endeavors:

   • Trump's 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow and ongoing efforts to establish a Trump Tower in Moscow indicate longstanding business interests in Russia.
     Politico

Far-Distant Benefits (Post-Presidency):

1. Policy Continuity:

   • Post-presidency, Trump continued to express favorable views towards Putin, suggesting a sustained alignment with Russian interests.
     NPR

2. Asset Seizure and Enforcement Actions:

   • The dissolution of the KleptoCapture task force, initiated under Trump, led to the auctioning of the Russian-owned superyacht Amadea, reducing government maintenance costs.
     Financial Times

While these actions suggest a pattern of behavior that aligns with Russian interests, it's important to note that correlation does not imply direct causation. There is no conclusive evidence that Trump acted as an agent of Russia or that his actions were part of a coordinated effort to serve Russian strategic objectives. Nonetheless, the consistency of certain actions and policies during his tenure has led to discussions about the potential benefits they may have provided to Putin and Russia.

Extras...

Here's Why Putin Could 'Hand Trump A Win' And Agree To Ceasefire Deal With Ukraine: Analyst

Who the f**k taught Donald Trump about the Alien Enemies Act of 1798? #dailyshow

And finally...

"Void and vacant": Our fool for a "POTUS" Trump says Biden pardons are nullified. Yeahhh NO. If that WAS true, the next democratic POTUS will just invalidate Trump's pardons of violent HIS insurrectionists HE sent to...Insurrection.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT

 

America's Slide Into MaGA/Oligarchy: Bully Trump's Tariff Wars & His Growing Billionaire Influence

Let's be clear. Donald Trump, albeit now CFPOTUS47 (America's 1st convicted felon POTUS), is a punk and a bully: A "punk" and a "bully" are often considered similar because they both represent aggressive, disruptive behavior, but a key difference is that a "punk" is typically seen as someone who picks on weaker individuals while trying to appear tough, while a "bully" can target anyone, regardless of perceived strength, often using power dynamics to intimidate and control others; essentially, a punk might be considered a smaller-scale bully, focusing on more localized acts of harassment. 

What proof is there that there is now more embarrassment and humiliation of Convicted Felon CFPOTUS47 Donald Trump being president than there are positive feelings by his MaGA supporters?

"The Logic of Destruction - And how to resist it" (audio) - Timothy Snyder

Trump and the Perils of Ungoverning

Institutions Under Assault Will Not Deliver for Americans

Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum

Proud flag of those against their own best interests & others

By the way...I spent time years ago blogging about how the (seemingly earned) humiliation and punishment of Germany after WWI helped fuel WWII—and how we should avoid repeating that ...mistake.We now have Palestinians who have faced decades of displacement and oppression and...here we are.

America does not elect actual and convicted criminals as POTUS. Except now, we actually do as autocracy, Oligarchy, and  Kakistocracy are all what? BETTER than Democracy? That my friends, is the mindset of the mentally, socially, emotionally ILL. Follow and elected a malignant narcissist, a mentally and emotionally unbalanced individual like Donald Trump, and you get what you asked for. Damage. Harmed citizens. Death. 

I'd said in 2016 that if Trump were elected, you'd better HOPE we don't have a national disaster under him...and then we had two.

After the criminal POTUS45 administration, which I'd labeled America's first "Little Bitch POTUS admin", I'd said Trump was responsible for the death of at least 100,000 citizens due to his handling of COVID-19. Trump's own, Secretary of Homeland Security Gen. John Kelly, has said Trump was responsible for 200,000 citizens deaths due to mishandling of COVID-19. 

(Timothy Snyder on electing Convicted Felon Donald Trump & on the "Strongman Fantasy": Quite a few [ignorant/foolish] Americans like the idea of strongman rule. And now we have a president... who vows to persecute the enemy within, and who has [nominated] a cabinet that seems designed to overturn a republic. What’s wrong with that, ask many? Why not a dictator who will get things done?)

And what about Elon Musk's Guru who said in 2014 that America needs to..."get over and get used to having a dictator"? Elon who is invasive into our government now, who was NOT elected to do most of what he's doing in his ridiculous DOGE Trump department? As Trump tries to dismantle the FBI and other departments.

There isn’t a single definitive "proof" of this claim, but several indicators suggest that Trump's potential presidency (CFPOTUS 47) could bring more embarrassment and humiliation than positive feelings, even among some conservatives. 

Here’s how one might assess it:

1. Election Performance & Popularity Metrics

• 2020 Loss: Trump lost the popular vote in both 2016 and 2020. If there were overwhelming positive support, he wouldn’t have lost in a record turnout election.
• 2024 Polling Struggles: While Trump leads in some swing state polls, he remains deeply unpopular nationwide. His net approval rating has consistently been negative since he left office.
• Biden vs. Trump Favorability: Despite Biden’s weaknesses, national polls still show Trump is more disliked than liked by the general electorate.

2. Criminal Charges & Scandals

• Trump is the first former U.S. president to be criminally indicted 91 times across four separate cases. No modern world leader has ever faced such legal trouble while running for office.
• Court cases in New York, Georgia, Florida, and D.C. have led to humiliating revelations about his finances, hush money payments, election interference, and mishandling of classified documents.
• Even Fox News and right-wing media have expressed concerns that these scandals make him unelectable.

3. GOP & Conservative Figures Distancing Themselves

• Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence—all former allies—have openly criticized Trump’s leadership, electability, and moral fitness for office.
• The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is preparing for a Trump-like presidency, but they don’t necessarily trust Trump himself. They want a more disciplined version of his policies.
• Republican donors like the Koch network have tried to back alternative candidates, indicating hesitation about his return.

4. Public & Media Mockery

• Saturday Night Live, late-night shows, and comedians consistently use Trump as a source of ridicule. His bizarre rants about whales, sharks, Hannibal Lecter, and batteries have fueled viral memes.
• The phrase “Trump's Cognitive Decline” has been trending more frequently, even among conservatives, due to his increasing verbal mistakes and confusion in speeches.
• His own MAGA supporters sometimes laugh at him. Example: At a rally, he confused Obama and Biden multiple times, causing chuckles even from the crowd.

5. MAGA Base Shrinking & Growing Fatigue

• Trump rallies are not as packed as they used to be—a sign of dwindling enthusiasm.
• "Trump Fatigue" is a real thing, even among some MAGA supporters who feel exhausted by the never-ending drama and legal issues.
• Polling among independent voters shows a clear rejection of Trump, which is crucial for winning in 2024.

Conclusion

While hardcore MAGA supporters still adore Trump, the broader public—including independents and even some conservatives—views his return as chaotic, embarrassing, and legally fraught. The GOP itself is torn, with many preferring Trump’s policies but not his scandals. The weight of indictments, gaffes, and political baggage suggests that a second Trump term would bring more national and international humiliation than genuine triumph.

What about polls, concerns over Trump attacking Canada and Mexico, and others with threats of tariff wars?

Recent developments indicate significant concern over President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with public opinion reflecting apprehension about potential economic repercussions.

Public Opinion on Tariffs

A recent poll indicates that 51% of respondents oppose President Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. This opposition underscores widespread unease about the potential economic impact of such trade policies.

thehill.com

Economic Concerns

The tariffs have sparked panic and anger in Canada and Mexico, with economists predicting disruptions in supply chains, inflation, and job losses in all three countries. There is a potential for Canada and Mexico to enter recessions due to these measures.

ft.com

Market Reactions

Global stock markets have reacted negatively to the tariffs, with significant declines observed in the US, Europe, and Asia. Major indices such as Germany's DAX, France's CAC, and the UK's FTSE 100 experienced drops of over 1%. In the US, the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures indicated declines between 1% and 2%.

theguardian.com

These developments highlight the contentious nature of the tariffs and the concerns they raise among the public and economic experts.

Global Markets React to Trump's Tariff Imposition

theguardian.com

US, EU and UK stock markets hit by global trade war fears as JPMorgan says Trump administration may be 'business unfriendly' - as it happened

Today

ft.com

Trump tariffs spark panic and anger in Canada and Mexico

2 days ago

thetimes.co.uk

Trump tariffs live: China retaliates against 'malicious' measures

Today

It sounds more like Trump is acting the bully to other countries, getting responses from Canada and Mexico for 1,000s of troops to the borders, and threatening Canada he wants them as our 51st state when we clearly have protectorates who are decades in line for statehood first. 

Trump ridiculous imperial expansionism is also denigrating America's reputation worldwide. It's bad enough simply having him as our chief representative around the world has humiliated US.

In an effort to address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking, President Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. In response, both countries have agreed to deploy 10,000 troops each to their respective U.S. borders to enhance security measures.

foxnews.com

Annexation Remarks and Canadian Response

Further escalating tensions, President Trump suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States. This proposal was met with strong opposition from Canadian officials and citizens. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled the suggestion as a distraction from the tariff dispute, emphasizing Canada's sovereignty and rejecting the notion of annexation.

cnn.com

Public Sentiment in Canada

The combination of tariff threats and annexation remarks has led to a surge of anti-American sentiment in Canada. Many Canadians are boycotting American products, canceling trips to the U.S., and promoting local goods as acts of patriotism. Social media campaigns advocating for the boycott of U.S. products have gained momentum, reflecting the public's discontent with the current U.S. administration's policies.

politico.com

Conclusion

CFPOTUS 47 Trump's recent actions and statements have strained relationships with Canada and Mexico, leading to significant diplomatic challenges and public backlash. The situation underscores the importance of careful diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries.

Trump's Tariff Threats Strain U.S. Relations with Canada and Mexico

apnews.com

Neighbors in dispute: After Trump declares a trade war, Canadians grapple with a sense of betrayal

Today

politico.com

Trump riles up America's nicest neighbors

Today

the-sun.com

Victory for Trump as Canada & Mexico cave in to Don's punishing tariff demands & promise 10k troops to protect border

Today

Trump is a bully, that's not up for dispute. 

Then there is his oligarch issue, one that AOC has said we are fully in the midst of, not the beginning of.

Her observation aligns with concerns expressed by various political figures and analysts regarding the concentration of wealth and power in the United States. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has been vocal about the nation's shift towards oligarchy. In a recent statement, she emphasized that the U.S. is not merely approaching oligarchy but is already experiencing it, highlighting the significant influence of billionaires on politics and policy.

facebook.com

This perspective is supported by studies indicating that economic elites and organized business interests have substantial impacts on U.S. government policy, often outweighing the preferences of average citizens. A notable 2014 study by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page found that the U.S. political system favors the interests of the wealthy and powerful, leading to policy outcomes that do not necessarily reflect the desires of the broader population.

en.wikipedia.org

Former President Jimmy Carter also described the United States as an "oligarchy with unlimited political bribery," pointing to the pervasive influence of money in politics.

en.wikipedia.org

These assessments suggest that the U.S. has moved beyond the initial stages of oligarchy, with wealth and power increasingly concentrated among a small segment of the population, thereby diminishing the influence of the average citizen in political processes.

For a more in-depth perspective, this discussion may (or may not) be informative:

Let's not forget this, how CFPOTUS47 is dismantling our DOJ because they tried and mostly failed to hold him accountable for his Jan. 6 insurrection and so much more...

Recent actions by President Donald Trump have raised significant concerns about attempts to undermine the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The administration has initiated the dismissal of prosecutors involved in the January 6 investigations and is moving toward ousting FBI agents associated with these cases.

apnews.com

Our crippled Department of Justice (DOJ) has terminated several senior FBI officials and demanded a list of personnel involved in the January 6 Capitol attack investigation, indicating potential further dismissals. Experts describe these actions as unprecedented, noting that mass firings for participation in an investigation are unheard of. Such measures could compromise the FBI's effectiveness in critical areas like counterterrorism and threaten the agency's independence.

vox.com

In response, the FBI Agents Association, representing over 14,000 current and former agents, has appealed to Congress to protect employees facing punishment or termination due to their involvement in the January 6 investigations. The association's letter to lawmakers expressed concerns that these actions might jeopardize agents' careers and disrupt essential Bureau operations.

apnews.com

Critics argue that these moves undermine the rule of law and resemble tactics seen in authoritarian regimes, where governmental agencies are purged of individuals deemed disloyal. This situation has sparked a broader debate about the future of democratic norms and the independence of federal institutions in the United States.

For a more in-depth analysis, you might find this discussion informative:

Best of luck to us all...

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT