Is Vladimir Putin Really Donald Trump's Best Friend?

The idea that Vladimir Putin is Donald Trump's best friend often surfaces in political discourse, particularly in the context of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. This notion is a subject of much debate, with supporters and detractors presenting differing viewpoints. Here, we explore the claims and counterclaims, and why the narrative of a close relationship between Putin and Trump is not supported by the evidence.

Myths and Realities

The assertion that Putin and Trump are the 'best friends' is often dismissed as a knee-jerk response by those who are skeptical of the relationship between the two figures. Critics argue that Trump has no real friends and simply uses those around him for their utility. This perspective sees Trump as an "easily manipulated useful idiot" by Putin’s advantage.

Manipulative Relationships

One key critique of the Putin-Trump relationship is that it is more about utilitarian gain rather than genuine friendship. Putin has been known to leverage various 'cohort's' investments in Trump's properties. For instance, the extradition of individuals like Viktor Bout, a notorious arms dealer, and the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Paul Whelan from detention, are actions that align with Putin's interest in maintaining a positive relationship with Trump.

Phylactery Diaper Donnie and the Kremlin Documents Leak

The often quoted phrase "diaper donnie being Putin's bitch" is a sarcastic reference to Trump, suggesting that Putin controls him in much the same way a diaper (or nappy) controls a young child. This characterization is supported by the leak of Kremlin documents, which purportedly reveal how Putin and Trump’s team were manipulated by Russian intelligence.

No Collusion, But Political Rivalry

Another common mischaracterization is that Putin and Trump are best friends because of their shared interests in causing harm to the United States. While Putin has certainly been a formidable adversary to the U.S. in terms of foreign policy, the suggestion of a personal friendship between the two is scientifically unsupported. Historically, Putin has caused significant damage to the U.S., and the cost of his actions is measuring in billions of dollars, much more so than the mere memory of the Cold War.

Political Reconnaissance and Influence

The allegation that Putin and Trump's relationship is comparable to the political intrigue surrounding Hillary Clinton is also a myth. Clinton, for example, did make significant deals with Russia. She sold 20 tons of American uranium to a Russian company, which was supposed to be a donation to the Clinton Foundation. Additionally, the former U.S. Secretary of State, Bill Clinton, received payments of $500,000 for speeches he gave in Russia. This deal, however, does not signify a personal or official friendship between Clinton and Putin.

Obama’s views and Misconceptions

Former President Barack Obama had harsh views on Putin, describing him as a "sociopath," and the assertion that the two were friends is seen as disproven by Obama's stance.

Overall, while Putin and Trump have certainly had dealings, the suggestion that they are best friends is largely baseless. Trump is known for using those around him for their utility, and Putin has used Trump for strategic geopolitical gain, much like the use of a useful idiot.

For readers interested in further information, the following keywords may be helpful:

Vladimir Putin Donald Trump Russian Influence