Category: Foreign Dictators

Trump’s Controversial Praise for Saudi Crown Prince Highlights Ethical Concerns

In a recently aired interview with Saudi state media, former President Donald Trump lavished praise on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, referring to him as a “great guy” and a “visionary.” This comes despite the crown prince’s notorious reputation linked to human rights abuses and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s comments seem to ignore the severe criticisms that have been levied against bin Salman, showcasing his continued obsession with maintaining close ties to authoritarian leaders.

During the interview, Trump expressed his belief that under his presidency, relations with Saudi Arabia were at their pinnacle, declaring it was “GREAT” with an emphasis on the word. However, this statement conveniently glosses over the fact that Trump’s administration faced scrutiny for its questionable dealings with the Saudi regime, including arms sales that bypassed Congressional approval and a troubling lack of accountability regarding Khashoggi’s murder.

Trump also criticized President Biden’s diplomatic approach, particularly a moment captured in a fist-bump with the crown prince, arguing that it was a sign of weakness. He insisted that his own gestures of friendship would have been more appropriate, further indicating his desire to present himself as the only viable leader capable of managing foreign relations effectively.

Moreover, it is essential to point out that Trump’s admiration for bin Salman aligns suspiciously with his family’s financial interests. Reports have surfaced revealing that Jared Kushner secured a massive $2 billion investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund shortly after leaving the White House, raising ethical questions about the Trump family’s dealings with the Saudi regime.

This interview, coupled with Trump’s ongoing admiration for foreign dictators, raises alarm about his prioritization of personal relationships and financial gains over American values and human rights. The former president’s blatant disregard for the violent history of bin Salman exemplifies a troubling trend of normalization of authoritarianism that could have lasting implications on U.S. foreign policy.

(h/t: https://www.mediaite.com/tv/trump-gives-an-interview-to-saudi-state-tv-praises-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-as-a-great-guy/amp/)

Trump’s Alarming Phone Call with Netanyahu: A Threat to U.S. Foreign Policy

Donald Trump’s recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised serious concerns about his conduct and intentions, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy. Trump boasted about discussing military strategies in the Middle East, including Netanyahu’s decision to ignore President Biden’s warnings about troop movements in Gaza, which led to significant casualties, including the death of a Hamas leader. Such actions not only demonstrate a blatant disregard for diplomatic norms but may also amount to a violation of the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized communication between private citizens and foreign governments.

This incident is troubling not only because it highlights Trump’s reckless approach to international relations but also because it suggests he may be positioning himself to undermine current U.S. foreign policy if he were to regain power. By advising Netanyahu to act independently of Biden’s administration, Trump appears to be attempting to disrupt ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving peace in the region. Critics argue that this kind of interference jeopardizes U.S. interests and undermines the authority of the sitting president.

Historically, such interference has had dire consequences, as evidenced by Richard Nixon’s actions during the Vietnam War, where he reportedly urged South Vietnam to delay peace talks to benefit his electoral chances. Trump’s behavior echoes this troubling precedent, raising fears that he may prioritize personal political gain over national security. The implications of such actions could lead to prolonged conflict and instability, not just for the Middle East but for U.S. foreign relations as a whole.

Furthermore, Trump’s repeated dismissals of credible intelligence reports, including those regarding Israeli espionage, indicate a dangerous pattern of behavior that could further alienate U.S. allies. By aligning himself so closely with Netanyahu, Trump risks alienating the broader international community and compromising America’s standing on the world stage. This raises questions about his commitment to U.S. interests and the rule of law.

In summary, Trump’s phone call with Netanyahu is alarming and indicative of a broader pattern of reckless diplomacy that could have significant repercussions for U.S. foreign policy and national security. The potential for criminal conduct, combined with a willingness to undermine the current administration, highlights the need for scrutiny and accountability in Trump’s actions and intentions.

(h/t: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/10/us-israel-trump-phone-call-netanyahu-gaza-cease-fire-2024-election.html)

Trump Blames Zelensky for Ukraine War in Recent Interview

In a recent podcast interview, former President Donald Trump attributed blame for the ongoing war in Ukraine to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, rather than Russian President Vladimir Putin. This statement contradicts the established timeline and facts surrounding the invasion, which began with Russia’s troop buildup and subsequent attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Trump’s remarks came as he critiqued President Biden’s foreign policy and military support for Ukraine. He described Zelensky as an effective salesman for securing U.S. aid, asserting that Ukraine has received unprecedented financial support during the conflict. Trump claimed that Zelensky should have negotiated with Putin to prevent the war, framing the situation as a failure on Zelensky’s part.

During the interview, Trump said, “He should never have let that war start. That war is a loser,” highlighting his view that the responsibility for the destruction caused by the invasion lies with the Ukrainian leadership. This is not the first time Trump has expressed skepticism about Zelensky’s role in the crisis.

In previous statements, Trump suggested that a deal could have been reached to stave off the conflict, implying that Zelensky’s actions contributed to the current devastation. His comments reflect a continued strategy of blaming Ukrainian officials while minimizing the responsibility of Russia for its aggressive military actions.

This narrative aligns with certain viewpoints promoted by Russian state media, which often seeks to blame Ukraine for the consequences of the invasion. Trump’s remarks serve as a notable example of disinformation that distorts the events leading to the war, undermining the clear responsibility of Putin’s regime in initiating the conflict.

(h/t: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/17/us/politics/trump-zelensky-putin-ukraine-war.html)

Trump Campaign Legal Adviser Appears on Kremlin-Backed TV

A top Trump campaign adviser recently appeared on the Russian-government funded TV network RT, which U.S. intelligence agencies have said plays a role in the Kremlin’s plans to undermine American democracy.

Trump campaign senior legal adviser Jenna Ellis’ appearance on RT’s The Alex Salmond Show aired on July 9. She appears to be the first Trump campaign official to go on the Russian-funded network since the 2016 election. 

During her interview, Ellis defended Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and bashed the American media as “propagandist activist media.” Ellis also accused Fox News—the cable news network most friendly to the president—of having an anti-Trump bias.

“Even on Fox News, the president has been very outspoken on Twitter that there are some anchors there and there are some particular shows that aren’t really fair in terms of their editorializing some of those stories,” Ellis said. At one point, she told Salmond that he, a former First Minister of Scotland, knew “as a journalist” how proper reporting works and that American media wasn’t doing it. 

Ellis and the Trump campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment. 

Ellis isn’t the first Trump ally to appear on RT. Ret. Gen. Michael Flynn appeared several times on the network ahead of Trump’s election, and was paid $34,000 by RT for delivering a speech. Trump himself appeared in an RT America interview in September 2016, which was conducted by Larry King, the longtime CNN host who has found a late-career gig at the network.

RT, which was formerly known as Russia Today, has been routinely criticized as a propaganda outlet for Kremlin interests. Its programming is often hyper critical of U.S. policy and in 2016 its editorial content seemed designed for two major purposes: to foster social unrest in the United States and (perhaps relatedly) boost Trump’s candidacy. 

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence eventually released a report that said the network, whose videos receive millions of views online, produced content “aimed at undermining viewers’ trust of US democratic procedures.” The assessment, released in 2017, added that RT was a key part of the Russian efforts to meddle in that presidential election as part of a “Kremlin directed campaign to undermine faith in the US Government and fuel political protest.” 

[The Daily Beast]

Media

Trump again attacks US intel agencies from India when asked about Russian election interference

President Donald Trump on Tuesday was asked about reports that Russia is interfering in the 2020 presidential election during a press conference in India — and he used it as an opportunity to once again attack American intelligence agencies.

During his press conference, Trump alleged that no intelligence officials told him about Russian efforts to help his campaign even though they had briefed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) about the ways Russia was working to boost his chances in the Democratic primary.

“Intelligence never told me!” he complained without evidence.

He then accused Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) of leaking the information about Russian wanting to help Trump and Sanders, although he cited no evidence to back up this claim.

[Raw Story]


Trump says US ready to strike 52 Iranian sites if Tehran attacks

The president’s remarks followed the US assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, in a drone strike.

Soleimani’s killing was a major escalation between the two nations, and Iran vowed to take “severe revenge”.

Writing on Twitter, Mr Trump accused Iran of “talking very boldly about targeting certain USA assets”.

He said the US had identified 52 Iranian sites, some “at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture”, and warned they would be “HIT VERY FAST AND HARD” if Tehran struck at the US.

The president said the targets represented 52 Americans who were held hostage in Iran for more than a year from late 1979 after they were taken from the US embassy in Tehran.

Shortly after the president’s tweets were posted, the website of a US government agency appeared to have been hacked by a group calling itself “Iran Cyber Security Group Hackers”. A message on the American Federal Depository Library Programme site read: “This is a message from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“We will not stop supporting our friends in the region: the oppressed people of Palestine, the oppressed people of Yemen, the people and the Syrian government, the people and government of Iraq, the oppressed people of Bahrain, the true Mujahideen resistance in Lebanon and Palestine, [they] will always be supported by us.”

The web page contained a doctored image of President Trump, depicting him being hit in the face and bleeding at the mouth. “This is only small part of Iran’s cyber ability!” read text on the site.

[BBC]

Reality

I’m old enough to remember five years ago when conservative news was (correctly) pointing out destruction of cultural sites is an internationally recognized war crime.

Trump Told Mar-a-Lago Pals to Expect ‘Big’ Iran Action ‘Soon’

In the five days prior to launching a strike that killed Iran’s most important military leader, Donald Trump roamed the halls of Mar-a-Lago, his private resort in Florida, and started dropping hints to close associates and club-goers that something huge was coming.

According to three people who’ve been at the president’s Palm Beach club over the past several days, Trump began telling friends and allies hanging at his perennial vacation getaway that he was working on a “big” response to the Iranian regime that they would be hearing or reading about very “soon.” His comments went beyond the New Year’s Eve tweet he sent out warning of the “big price” Iran would pay for damage to U.S. facilities. Two of these sources tell The Daily Beast that the president specifically mentioned he’d been in close contact with his top national security and military advisers on gaming out options for an aggressive action that could quickly materialize.

“He kept saying, ‘You’ll see,’” one of the sources recalled, describing a conversation with Trump days before Thursday’s strike.

Trump’s gossipy whispers regarding a “big” response in Iraq foreshadowed what was to come. After hours of silence, senior officials in the Trump administration argued that what had taken place in Iraq was not an act of aggression. Instead, they said both publicly and behind closed doors on the Hill that killing Qassem Soleimani was designed to “advance the cause of peace,” as U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Brian Hook put it in a Friday interview. 

Those Mar-a-Lago guests received more warning about Thursday’s attack than Senate staff did, and about as much clarity. A classified briefing on Friday, the first the administration gave to the Hill, featured broad claims about what the Iranians were planning and little evidence of planning to bring about the “de-escalation” the administration says it wants.  

According to three sources either in the room or told about the discussion, briefers from the State Department, Pentagon, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence claimed that killing Soleimani was designed to block Iranian plans to kill “hundreds” or even thousands of Americans in the Mideast. That would be a massive escalation from the recent attack patterns of Iran and its regional proxies, who tend to kill Americans in small numbers at a time. 

“This administration has absolutely not earned the benefit of the doubt when it makes these kinds of claims. When you’re taking action that could lead to the third American war in the Middle East in 20 years, you need to do better than these kinds of assertions,” said a Senate aide in the room. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also said publicly that the Iranians planned to kill hundreds of Americans before Soleimani’s killing.

Nor, said four sources who requested anonymity to discuss a classified briefing, did the briefers provide detail on a key question surrounding an act of war against a regional power: what next? 

[The Daily Beast]

Trump sides with Putin on impeachment in late Friday night tweet

President Donald Trump continues to side with Russia on questions of domestic politics.

On Friday, the commander-in-chief tweeted out Russian President Vladimir Putin’s views on impeachment, adding that it is “a total witch hunt.”

Trump has received a great deal of criticism for believing the Russian military intelligence conspiracy theory that it was actually Ukraine that interfered in the 2016.

The scandal is at the heart of the impeachment trial expected to start in January.

[Raw Story]

Trump Believed Ukraine Conspiracy Because ‘Putin Told Me’

President Trump has fixated on a theory that Ukraine stole Democratic emails in 2016 and framed Russia for the crime. The Washington Post reports that Trump told a former senior White House official that he believed Ukraine stole the emails because “Putin told me.”

The Post’s explosive report adds to an extensive body of evidence showing the degree to which Vladimir Putin has influenced Trump’s thinking. Trump is not a Russian agent, but he is a man whose thinking has obviously been heavily influenced by Russian sources. It is difficult if not impossible to find another Republican official at any level who believes, like Trump, that Montenegro is an aggressive country that might attack Russia or that the Soviets were forced to invade Afghanistan as a defense against terrorist attacks.

The Ukraine-server theory has gained somewhat wider currency in Republican circles, in large part because of Trump. The Mueller investigation found that Paul Manafort — the Trump campaign manager who had previously been hired by a Russian oligarch to help a pro-Russian presidential candidate in Ukraine — had suggested even during the campaign that Ukraine had stolen the emails to blame Russia. Manafort was working at the time alongside Konstantin Kilimnik, whom U.S. intelligence considers a Russian intelligence asset.

The Post reports that Trump’s advisers desperately tried to figure out the source of his belief that Ukraine had stolen the emails. They believed Putin shared this theory during his 2017 meeting in Hamburg and/or at a subsequent meeting in Helsinki, both of which took place without other American officials present. (After the second encounter, Trump confiscated notes from a translator.)

“The strong belief in the White House was that Putin told him,” one former official tells the Post. The paper also reports that “Trump repeatedly told one senior official that the Russian president said Ukraine sought to undermine him.”

Trump’s impeachment has focused primarily on his demand for an investigation of his political rival. But Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine began as an effort to vindicate the conspiracy theory that Putin had apparently persuaded Trump to believe. Trump asked Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to locate the server the Russians claimed Ukrainians had smuggled away and hid.

More important, Trump allegedly directed the activities of Lev Parnas, a partner of Rudy Giuliani. Parnas was paid a million dollars by a notorious Russian oligarch with close ties to Putin. On behalf of Parnas’s company, a Republican donor paid Giuliani, who represented Trump for “free.” And Giuliani, astonishingly, is still at it. After returning from another trip to Ukraine, where he met with a series of notorious Russian-allied figures, Giuliani has made his case on conservative network OANN and met with Trump, who in turn vouched for him and his work.

Proving criminal conspiracies in court is hard — especially when some of the suspects reside in a hostile foreign country, and even more so when the investigation’s principal subject has the power to pardon witnesses who withhold cooperation. The Mueller investigation failed to establish a criminal conspiracy between Trump and Russia, but Trump is working to spread Russian-originated propaganda and he handed this work off to figures who were paid by Putin allies. Whether you describe this relationship as a conspiracy or simply an alliance, it is very much ongoing.

[New York Magazine]

Trump praises Kennedy after Chuck Todd links senator’s Ukraine remarks to Putin

President Trump on Monday praised Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) for his appearance a day earlier on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” where anchor Chuck Todd questioned the senator for pushing the unsubstantiated claim that Ukraine meddled in the 2016 election.

“Thank you to Great Republican @SenJohnKennedy for the job he did in representing both the Republican Party and myself against Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd on Meet the Depressed!” Trump tweeted.

The president tweeted his thanks as he flew to London for NATO meetings. He also praised two House Republicans for defending him against the impeachment inquiry in television interviews.

Kennedy has been part of controversial interviews each of the past two Sundays after making claims about Ukraine’s involvement in the 2016 election.

Kennedy last week suggested that there was still a possibility that Ukraine was responsible for the 2016 Democratic National Committee hack. He walked back those comments days later but has continued to insist Ukraine interfered in other ways. 

On “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Kennedy asserted that reporting in outlets such as Politico and The Economist indicated that the former Ukrainian president favored Clinton over Trump.

“The fact that Russia was so aggressive does not exclude the fact that President Poroshenko actively worked for Secretary Clinton,” he said.

Todd appeared exasperated with the senator and pushed back on his argument, suggesting Kennedy was furthering a narrative of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Are you at all concerned that you’ve been duped?” Todd asked. 

“No, just read the articles,” Kennedy said. 

The Intelligence Committee has concluded that Russia, not Ukraine, interfered in the 2016 election and was seeking to aid the Trump campaign. Former special counsel Robert Mueller determined he could not establish that the Trump campaign worked with Russia.

In the aftermath of that investigation, Trump and some of his allies have continued to claim Ukraine meddled in the 2016 race despite the insistence to the contrary of national security officials. 

[The Hill]

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