The recent escalation of Russian bombardments in Ukraine has reignited global attention on Donald Trump’s statements regarding his relationship with Putin. While Ukrainian civilians were being heavily impacted by the intensified Russian attacks, Trump appeared to minimize the severity of Russia’s actions, saying that Putin was “doing what anyone else would do.” Furthermore, Trump expressed his continued support for the Russian leader, highlighting their long-standing relationship and suggesting that Putin would be “more generous than he has to be.”
This statement sparked widespread criticism, especially given the dire situation in Ukraine. Trump’s tendency to defend Putin has led to renewed speculation regarding the motivations behind his foreign policies.
Some have suggested that Trump might be a Kremlin agent, possibly due to unproven allegations from the 1990s when he was rumored to have been secretly filmed with prostitutes in Moscow—a theory referred to as “kompromat.” However, two significant points undermine this theory.
First, a secret agent typically operates covertly, working to hide their allegiance. In contrast, Trump has been open about his admiration for Putin, even praising the Russian leader publicly during moments of tension, such as the infamous Ukraine call in the Oval Office, where Trump described Putin as having “gone through a hell of a lot” with him. This openness makes the theory of Trump being a secret Kremlin agent highly unlikely.
Second, “kompromat” relies on exploiting the target’s fear of shame, but Trump is a man known for his apparent lack of shame. His ability to contradict himself and lie without hesitation suggests that he is impervious to such tactics, further casting doubt on the claim that he could be blackmailed by Russia.
The reality seems less murky but more troubling: Trump admires Putin not because he is being manipulated but because he views Putin as a “winner.” In Trump’s worldview, success and power are measured by one’s ability to dominate, and Putin’s brutal methods of maintaining control resonate with Trump’s admiration for strength. This mindset also extends to Trump’s views on other world leaders, like China’s President Xi Jinping, whom he has praised for controlling 1.4 billion people with “an iron fist.”
Another driving factor behind Trump’s affinity for Putin is the Russian president’s immense wealth. Putin is often regarded as one of the richest men in the world, and this wealth is a significant point of admiration for Trump, who has long aspired to join the ranks of the ultra-wealthy. His connections to wealthy figures, including oligarchs and powerful businesspeople, are well-documented, and Trump has consistently shown a fascination with those who wield vast economic power.
Trump’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, offered an insightful look into Trump’s admiration for Putin’s financial prowess. Cohen stated that Trump viewed Putin as “the richest man in the world by a multiple.” Trump was reportedly impressed with how Putin had managed to seize control over Russia’s vast resources and effectively run the country like a personal business—an approach Trump himself aspires to replicate in his empire. This admiration for Putin’s wealth and control is key to understanding Trump’s fascination with him, as he values Putin’s ability to consolidate power and amass wealth.
The connection between Trump and Putin has also been evident in Trump’s business dealings. Long before his presidency, Trump sought to expand his empire into Russia. In 2007, he attempted to market Trump Super Premium Vodka in Moscow. A year later, his son Donald Jr. mentioned that “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets.”
Furthermore, in 2015, just a year after Russia annexed Crimea, Trump boasted about his contacts in Russia, claiming to have met with “top-level people,” including oligarchs and government officials. This indicates that Trump’s relationship with the Russian elite has been a long-standing aspect of his business strategy.
Trump’s connection to Putin goes beyond just admiration for power and wealth. It also seems to have been driven by a desire to align himself with the most powerful figures on the global stage. Putin’s rise to power and his control over Russia’s wealth appears to resonate deeply with Trump’s business mindset, and his attempts to align himself with Putin suggest that Trump sees value in fostering close ties with such figures, regardless of the moral or political implications.
During his presidency, Trump’s relationship with Russia and its leaders remained a topic of constant scrutiny. However, the more the public scrutinized Trump’s actions, the clearer it became that his admiration for Putin was not rooted in fear or manipulation but rather in a shared admiration for wealth, strength, and control. Trump’s worldview of success is rooted in the belief that those who amass the most power and wealth are the ones who are truly “winning” in life, which is why he has repeatedly expressed his admiration for Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
In conclusion, the real reason behind Trump’s relationship with Putin is far more straightforward than the notion of blackmail or secret allegiances. Trump does not view Putin as a puppet master controlling him but as a figure of power and wealth whom he admires deeply. This relationship reflects Trump’s own beliefs about strength, control, and financial success—values that have always been central to his identity as a businessman and political figure.
While his admiration for Putin may be controversial and disconcerting, it is a reflection of Trump’s worldview, where power, dominance, and wealth are the ultimate measures of success. Trump’s relationship with Putin highlights his deep-seated belief that those who control the most wealth and power are the ones who truly win—and in his eyes, Putin is the epitome of that success.