President Putin Occupies The White House

It's clear to Europe and our allies that President Trump and Republicans are now thoroughly compromised by Putin, an anti-American dictator. The question remains: who will step up and speak out?

In 1956, Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin’s death, said, “We will take America without firing a shot. We do not have to invade the U.S. We will destroy you from within.”

It took 70 years, but Putin finally delivered on the promise.

About ten minutes after publishing this article, I had to return to add a topical edit that proves my thesis: “The United States is temporarily suspending all military aid to Ukraine, according to a senior administration official, who said the aid would not resume until President Trump determined that Ukraine had demonstrated a commitment to peace negotiations with Russia.”

Last Friday’s utterly shameful berating of Ukrainian President Zelensky by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance proves that Vladimir Putin has thoroughly compromised the Trump White House. I do not know what, if anything, Putin has over Trump - although if I had to guess I’d always follow the money.

Still, Trump is far more interested in promoting Russian propaganda at the expense of helping our allies or fellow Americans, who are losing their jobs thanks to Musk’s Doge chainsaw and paying a record price for eggs. Speaking of our co-president, Musk agreed with a tweet that said it’s time for the U.S. to leave NATO and the UN.

Somewhere in Russia, Putin smiled.

Trump, and now the entire Republican Party, is complicit in destroying the flawed but necessary post WW2 order established to promote democracy, freedom, and human rights. Europe is openly strategizing for a future where America is no longer an ally but an active, hostile threat. Over the weekend, UK Prime Minister gave Zelensky a warm welcome and announced he is working with other European leaders to help Ukraine end the war. Meanwhile, the alleged leader of the free world, Donald Trump, was busy doing Russia’s bidding by posting the following nonsense: “We should spend less time worrying about Russia and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our country - So that we don’t end up like Europe!”

In a stunning 12-minute address, Germany's Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock told Germans to prepare for war and essentially said the US has fallen to Russia. To underscore the point, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, the former Fox host whose own mother called him a sexual predator, ordered the US military’s Cyber Command to “stand down” against Russian threats. A source said, “Putin is on the inside now.”

“Russia, if you’re listening,” you can continue infiltrating our security and meddling in our elections! Also, if you wear a MAGA hat, you too can attack police officers and take part in a violent insurrection. However, if you’re an immigrant from a “shithole country,” a peaceful, BLM protestor, or a member of law enforcement investigating Trump for his numerous crimes, then you’re an active threat to this country and must be part of the deep state.

It’s worth remembering that Republicans currently hold the House, Senate, and conservatives have a majority in the Supreme Court. They have the means and the power to act as a check on Trump and Musk taking a sledgehammer to our allies. However, all have made a Faustian bargain with the Devil for the sake of access, power, and short-term security. They’ve all decided to become the willing Reeks of Trump, forfeiting their integrity, the prosperity of America, and the security of our allies to remain attached to a decaying, orange teat. Secretary of State Rubio joined Senator Graham in doing a complete 180 and blaming Zelensky for being abused, humiliated, and shamed by Trump. The one Republican with a spine, Senator Murkowski, meekly showed her displeasure with the Oval Office meeting and since then has been subjected to MAGA trolling and harassment. On Monday, Fox host Will Cain did his best to continue the whitewashing by disagreeing with a Russian journalist who dared to criticize Putin and Trump’s treatment of Zelensky.

Unfortunately for Republicans, they are overplaying their hands and underestimating the world’s disgust with their cowardice. Relationships require reciprocity. MAGA dispenses cruelty and expects the rest of us to respond with civility. Nope. One of Norway’s largest marine fuel companies encouraged all Europeans to follow their lead in no longer fueling US Navy vessels after Trump’s treatment of Zelensky. At the Oscars, actress Daryl Hannah said, “Slava Ukraini!” to large applause. More than a thousand protestors greeted couch aficionado JD Vance when he landed in Vermont to vacation. One sign read, “Vance is a traitor. Go ski in Russia.” Global protests against Tesla have increased with New Yorkers briefly occupying a dealership in Manhattan. Canadians are loudly booing the US anthem at hockey games and WWE events. Meanwhile, Mexico is urging its citizens to not visit Texas as a result of the measles outbreak, which has already claimed the life of one child.

What happened? I thought Trump was going to make America great again?

We are witnessing the completion of a long-term plan by Putin to capture the most corrupt, transactional, vulgar, and criminal President in U.S. history who will willingly betray his people, his allies, and his country to get out of jail and score a few real estate deals before meeting the Grim Reaper.

Even though it seems like Putin, Musk, and the broligarchy have won for now, the road towards freedom and justice has always been long and painful. It is taking time, but slowly, the majority is waking up. At the very least, we have the numbers and we have a powerful, collective voice. Onward we march on the long walk ahead.

*In today’s episode of Democracy-Ish, Danielle and I welcomed our largest live audience ever as we talked about MAGA making Russia great again.