Why Donald Trump Shows Unusual Deference to Vladimir Putin, According to New Book
The author argues that Donald Trump's odd respect for Vladimir Putin stems from shared anti-woke ideology, admiration for autocrats, and possible compromising material, which has translated into Russia-friendly policies that worsen the Ukraine war.
In Betrayal, the writer investigates the puzzling deference Donald Trump displays toward Vladimir Putin, identifying three intersecting motives. First, Trump’s supporters cast Russia as an “anti-woke” ally, a narrative amplified by figures such as Tucker Carlson. Second, former White House adviser Fiona one outlet argues that Trump envies Putin’s unchecked authority and prefers the company of autocrats, often denigrating European democrats like Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni.
Third, the possibility of kompromat looms, given Soviet-era spying on Trump and a 2020 Senate intelligence report alleging FSB-installed cameras in the Ritz-Carlton during his 2013 visit. The author’s own encounters with FSB intimidation in Moscow underscore the depth of Russian intelligence operations. These dynamics are linked to concrete policy outcomes: since 2025 Trump has halted direct U.S. military aid to Kyiv, blocked the provision of Patriot interceptors, and echoed Kremlin disinformation, contributing to ongoing civilian suffering in the Ukraine conflict.
Why it matters
Understanding Trump's Russia stance reveals why U.S. policy may be hindering Ukraine's defense and prolonging the war.
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