Analysis: Why Donald Trump can’t stop praising Vladimir Putin
Over and over again this week — as Russia massed forces along Ukraine’s borders and then invaded on Wednesday night — the former US President found time to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Then on Wednesday night, Trump sounded a very similar note while speaking during a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago.
Politically, this seems insane. Praising a Russian invasion — with absolutely zero provocation — is not the sort of thing that American politicians do. Ever since the Cold War, America has viewed Russia very skeptically, understanding that the country had expansionist tendencies that could imbalance the delicate peace that has been in place since World War II.
So, why is Trump praising Putin? For Trump, everything — and I mean everything — is transactional. There is no right or wrong. There’s only, can you do this thing or not, and what does it get you versus what does it cost you. In Trump’s worldview, might makes right. If you can take something, you should. Being perceived as strong — in your own country and in the world — is all that matters.
We saw that sentiment play out many times during Trump’s presidency.
Trump’s attraction to authoritarian rulers then is well established. He likes the idea that they do what they want when they want — and damn the naysayers who question them.
Given all of that, no one should be surprised that Trump is praising Putin, even as the Russian President provokes conflict in Europe. It’s what Trump seems to believe. Which is pretty scary.
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