What’s Going on Between Trump and Russia?
From Praise to Mafia Style Concerns About Trump’s Safety
I typically avoid amplifying Kremlin propaganda, but this time, what’s emerging from Moscow shouldn’t be ignored and needs to be documented to understand how these developments may influence future actions by the Trump regime.
In 2016, the Kremlin was ecstatic after Donald Trump’s victory. I watched the reaction coming from Russia that night as members of the Duma congratulated each other the moment Hillary Clinton conceded, with Russian officials and state media openly boasting that they had “elected one of their own.” Fast forward to 2024, and the tone has dramatically shifted. Despite Russia’s numerous covert operations to facilitate Trump’s re-election bid, the post-election atmosphere is now filled with mockery, veiled threats, praise, and ominous warnings—marking a stark contrast to the earlier jubilation.
Shortly after Trump’s win, Russia 1 aired explicit and practically nude photos of Melania Trump from her modeling career. During a prime-time segment on the propaganda show 60 Minutes, hosts Olga Skabeeva and Yevgeny Popov showcased images from a 2000 GQ shoot, with Popov sneering, “It’s as though the editors of the magazine knew something in advance about her future.” Skabeeva struggled to suppress laughter, and the whole spectacle felt like a calculated dig—or perhaps a reminder of vulnerabilities.
Nikolai Patrushev, a senior Kremlin official and close ally of Vladimir Putin, made a series of strikingly ominous remarks about Donald Trump following his election victory.
In an interview, Patrushev emphasized that Trump is “obliged” to follow through on promises made during his campaign. “To achieve success in the elections, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. And as a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them,” Patrushev stated.
He added, “During the pre-election period, he made many statements to attract voters to his side, who ultimately voted against the destructive foreign and domestic policies pursued by the current U.S. presidential administration. But the election campaign is over, and in January 2025, it will be time for the specific actions of the elected president. It is known that election promises in the United States can often diverge from subsequent actions.”
In the same interview, Patrushev made a chilling claim about Trump’s safety, asserting that Russian intelligence was aware of two assassination attempts against him during the campaign. His comments took on the tone of a mob-style warning: “It is extremely important for American intelligence services to prevent them from happening again.”
As the former head of the FSB and one of the most powerful figures in Russia, Patrushev’s words carry weight. Known for orchestrating brutal operations like the 1999 apartment bombings that killed hundreds of Russians to solidify Putin’s rise, his suggestion that Trump has “debts to pay” is a stark reminder of the Kremlin’s transactional approach to power and influence.
Even Putin himself weighed in, expressing concern for Trump’s safety while offering flattery. “As far as I can imagine, the newly elected president is an intelligent and already quite experienced person. I think he will find a solution,” Putin remarked. He then condemned the attacks on Trump’s family as “revolting” and referenced "the absolutely uncivilized methods used to battle against Trump, including an assassination attempt—more than once."
“Unfortunately, in the history of the United States, various incidents have happened,” Putin added. “I think he (Trump) is intelligent, and I hope he's cautious and understands this.”
He concluded ominously, “By the way, in my opinion, he is not safe now.”
And let’s not forget the secret calls between Trump and Putin during the campaign or Elon Musk’s curious engagements with the Kremlin. What was discussed? What deals were struck? The secrecy surrounding these conversations raises unsettling questions.
Similarly, Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian ‘president’ and now a Kremlin propagandist, called Trump a “stubborn businessman” who dislikes spending money on “freeloaders” like NATO allies. While this mindset could serve Moscow’s interests, Medvedev added a chilling prediction: if Trump seriously tries to end the war in Ukraine, “he could become the new JFK.”
Russia’s post-election messaging reveals a multifaceted strategy. The Kremlin showers Trump with praise, mocks him publicly, and issues ominous warnings about his safety. This complex narrative combines flattery, ridicule, and grave concerns over his well-being, likely designed to keep Trump—and the U.S.—on edge.
So what leverage does Russia continue to hold over Trump? Why the veiled threats about his safety? And how might this dynamic shape U.S. policy in the coming years?
As someone who has spent years tracking Russia’s malign influence operations, I know better than to take Kremlin propaganda at face value. But what’s happening now isn’t just propaganda—it’s a calculated power move. The Kremlin’s actions and rhetoric are setting the stage for a precarious relationship with the incoming Trump regime.
We need to be asking explicit questions. What does Moscow want, and what is Trump willing—or obligated—to give in return? How far is Russia prepared to go to ensure its interests are met?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this, along with everything else unfolding publicly and behind the scenes between Trump and Russia.
I am no Russian expert nor policy wonk, but Trump’s obvious affection for authoritarians is well documented. The calls between Putin & Trump prior to the election should be concerning. (Tho I find it hard to believe our intelligence organizations don’t know what was said-maybe wishful thinking on my part) Tulsi Gabbard leading an intelligence organization should be causing great concern to Congress, Americans & our allies. His cabinet picks are beyond horrendous. Putin’s wish for a weakened & incompetent U.S. is the perfect gift for his Christmas. So sad.
Yours is the loud wakeup call for all of us who know the fragility of our democracy. This is the worst time for the dumbing down of American cable media voices, i.e. MSNBC. It's time for hard, unpopular truths to be examined and questioned; what are Americans willing or able to do to protect our Constitutional Democracy. Most of us are uninformed, un-used to these challenges to our democratic norms and institutions. Get ready.