Psychologically, Trump demonstrates an alarming lack of self-preservation. His bizarre adoration of authoritarian figures, particularly Vladimir Putin, has raised persistent questions about both his judgment and his vulnerability. Even under the generous assumption that kompromat exists and explains Trump’s deference to Putin, his unintelligent failure to protect himself, his country, or his legacy is striking. He excluded translators from private meetings with Putin, refused to brief advisors, and actively avoided any meaningful diplomatic planning. These are not acts of strength or strategy; they are acts of extreme stupidity, submission and fear.
Had Trump the intelligence or foresight to deny and deflect anything Putin might expose about him his devoted base would have accepted almost any narrative he put forth. Instead, he remains entrenched in subservience, a willing captive to his own poor decisions and compromised past.
What we are witnessing is a deteriorating figure, who isn’t very bright, so desperate to conceal weakness that he willingly amplifies it. His lack of insight, planning, and basic diplomatic awareness exposes a truth that is both simple and terrifying: he is and always has been plainly stupid.
Trump’s current decline may be glaring, but it is merely the latest chapter in a lifetime defined by reckless decisions, self-sabotage, and a stunning inability to learn from failure. From bankruptcies and shady business ventures to disastrous political missteps, he has repeatedly made foolish, shortsighted choices and often evaded accountability. His submissive posture toward Vladimir Putin is not a strategic maneuver but yet another ill-conceived attempt to manage a relationship he clearly doesn’t understand and cannot control. If there is kompromat, he has handled it in the worst way imaginable, by groveling, hiding, and weakening himself further. Rather than outsmart his circumstances, Trump has again chosen the dumbest path forward: serving as a willing pawn in a game that he is obviously too simple minded to play.
Trump really doesn't care who wins the Russia/Ukrainian War. All he cares about is that he gets credit being the peacemaker, so that he receives the Nobel Peace Prize-just as Obama did! He just can't shake the fact that a BLACK POTUS got a Nobel!
Trump cannot ever admit that he is wrong about anything. He can never admit that he made a mistake!
That’s why everything is in outlandish superlatives! He can’t stand the idea that he is below average in anything.
That’s why everything has to be ‘gold’ . It’s a symbol of his success
MAGA followers are the same! Their emotional identity is so dependent on Trump, they can’t admit that he might be wrong ! That would mean that they are wrong. They can’t handle the truth!
Honestly, shocked...I did not even think WW3...but this does feel like a real possibility. I remember when my reserve unit was called to Iraq...we all believed Powell and weapons of mass destruction...then reality set in, thousands already dead and more to come, and years of ceaseless war against....WHAT, exactly? It was the Saudi's who hit the Twin Towers in NYC...stupid republican men, warmongers....
Yes, I remember when the goal in Iraq switched from destroying the weapons of mass destruction to Pres. Bush promoting Iraqi freedom. Iraqis (those who hadn't been killed in the war) displayed their purple thumbs to the cameras signifying they voted.
As I read this I had such a deep sorrow for what our, our country has become. I felt it yesterday as we saw two of the most despicable people pretending to be great leaders and statemen. Remember when the words "never again" were so pertinent and said with such fervor? The "never again" time is here.
Geez this essay strikes terror and the boding of apprehension, fear and evil seems to be strengthened by the malaise of decent people. I didn't think I could be more worried but I agree with you. As Maralyn said in the comments, "My heart is broken"., as is mine.
“It was the day that MAGA ceded control of the world to the worst enemy of freedom and liberty to emerge in 80 years’ time.”
Brilliant Steve, you nailed it. America ceded its place as the leader of the free world; with serious repercussions and consequences to our democracy, capital markets and even our place as the reserve currency to 6O% of the world.
Additionally, new alliances for both economic and security will be formed without American input by our allies and possibly our worst adversary next to Russia; while any good will in the world that this nation still possesses; will slowly dissipate into thin air.
Yesterday was a travesty. Trump looked like he just saw his best friend for the first time in years. He gave a mass murderer a platform, controlling the stage, rolled out the red carpet, set the tone; ultimately showing Trump who was boss. And like in Helsinki, he praised Putin and their friendship repeatedly. Who does this??
Personally, I’d call this treasonous affair: HELL-sinki: 2:0! Putin got the two things he needed: legitimacy and time.
Additionally, Trump said if a ceasefire agreement wasn’t solidified, there would be hell to pay. Yet, all we hear are crickets. No sanctions, he didn’t even bother to reinstall the banking sanctions he released two weeks ago.
Not to mention, Trump walked away saying it’s in Ukraine’s hands now. Thats it? A two hour meeting and a weak response? This doesn’t sound like a victory to me, it sounds very much like capitulation.
Furthermore, I just listened to several expert positions that claimed the meeting was successful. Is this how we measure success with Trump? He didn’t give away the store?
There’s a reason for that, Trump is no longer in control. And you can’t make progress when one of the parties isn’t even invited to the SHOW!
Honestly, to me, this has all the same familiar hallmarks of the Surrender Agreement, I mean DOHA Agreement; and we all how well that worked out for the Afghans: unless of course, you were the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Bottom line; this negotiation was a distraction plain and simple, just as many of us suspected. It served no purpose other than to distract from Trump’s personal issues and a cratering economy, and the results speak for themselves.
That said, the only good that came out of this spectacle is that Trump didn’t throw Zelenskyy under the bus in public (who knows what was said behind closed doors).
In addition, it appears this meeting just confirmed what our NATO and European allies already suspected; they can no longer trust the United States going forward, and will look to make separate security and economic agreements away from the United States. I wouldn’t be surprised if talk begins for the complete disbanding of NATO sometime into the future.
Otherwise, it was a very productive meeting. I can’t wait for Trump to visit Moscow; I’m sure he and Putin will solve world hunger and Middle East peace! IMHO…:)
The Alaska summit delivers yet another propaganda wins for the Kremlin "We were interfered with by the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax,” Trump whined, before lavishing praise onto Putin. “But he understood it. I think he's probably seen things like that during the course of his career. He's seen- he's seen it all. But we had to put up with the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. He knew it was a hoax, and I knew it was a hoax.”
Half-Baked Alaska: Trump, Putin, and a Failure Decades in the Making
“So, there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump conceded. Putin played Trump like a fiddle, no moral principled leadership in Gaza or Ukraine nada! Trump is in love, with the sound of his voice and Putin! What Was the Trump-Putin Meeting Even About? What was clear, though, was that Vladimir Putin was well satisfied. Reading from prepared notes — raising the question of whether they had been prepared before the meeting — at a press briefing after the three-hour meeting, the Russian president appeared especially satisfied with the fact that he, a pariah and wanted war criminal in Europe, was having what looked like a chummy face-to-face with the president of the United States, and on American soil, adjacent to Russia.
“I have President Putin. He just said it’s not Russia,” Trump said, taking Putin’s word over that of the U.S. intelligence community. “I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.”
He heaped compliments on President Trump, even suggesting that Mr. Trump was right to say that had he been president at the time.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the backing of European leaders, has previously insisted that a ceasefire must be in place before any negotiations to end the war. This how it's done Why does Trump not understand this important, Principle of morals like in Gaza also, It's the step which should have happened on day ONE, he is simple and twisted unintelligent person who gets played by flattery, get him out of office into jail the felon!
Trump told European leaders today that he favors ceding Ukrainian land to Russia. People need to understand this is not a case of TACO. Rather, this was the plan all along. Please remember what happened to Zelensky in the Oval Office.
I hope Zelensky does not visit. There is nothing the United States will do for him and he has more important things to do than sit with a group of American Traitors.
Agreed. The Alaska summit was just two sadistic sociopaths playing a game of cat and mouse with Zelenskii and Europe. I'm sure T and P were laughing about as they sat together in the back of the Beast.
Steve, your reference to Chamberlain reminds me of the movie "Munich: The Edge of War". I have watched the movie at least twice; perhaps thrice. Chamberlain was seduced by Hitler as it appears Trump has been seduced by Putin.
In the 1960s I served with USAF Intel overseas. Russia was our enemy then. Russia is still our enemy now. Obviously, Trump did not get the memo. /s. There are no words that capture the level of rage, outrage and anger that I feel toward traitorous Trump and his equally traitorous lackeys. Not only has Trump capitulated to Putin/Russia. (At least so it seems.) He also is the first person to hold the seat of "president" while also being cited as a man supporting pedophilia.
In too many respects Trump is infantile. His silly dance. His clapping hands. His churlish b/s. Yet, MAGA supports him. His cabinet supports him. The larger population of Americans dislike or hate the man. Our former allies hate him or regard him with total disgust. While I hope for the best outcome for our republic, I fear the worst is stacked against us.
We are at war. That war is against the likes of Vought, Hegseth, Bondi, Loem, Patel, RFK, Jr and a host of others. They are willfully killing our constitutional republic imposing a toxic pox upon us.
I'm still cursing those who voted for this dangerous idiot. Why? Lower prices? a "stronger" leader? Makes me question the right to vote for everyone. Not everyone might be fit to vote if they fall for idiots like Trump. A tragedy for all of us.
I am surprised that Stephen Miller, or anyone else who might have influence on Trump didn’t manage to keep him home. I guess Trump still has the power to disgrace himself in front of the world. Trump feels that standing with Putin makes him a member of the hated dictators club. He wants to be seen as a powerful man to be feared by the world, but he looked like an old, fat, puppy hoping to have his tummy scratched.
The visit made it clear that poor Trumpy is a pathetic pedophile. He has no negotiating skills, no strategy, and no concept of how to solve problems. His only method is to say he did something great and leave the mess behind. 35% of the country is still ready to believe him. Except now, he has nothing to say except that Putin thinks I won the election in 2020.
We are all suffering from the whims of a deranged and deteriorating pedophile.
ALSO: Is there a Go Fund Me site for Charles Dunn, the sandwich thrower? Of course, If Trump had any consistency, he would pardon the man for throwing something at a cop, like he did for all the January 6 rioters.
What about Gaza, the genocide of Palestinians? The sniper fire for sport? The deliberate starvation? Why is Ukraine "more worthy" of moral outrage than Gaza? I think I know why: $$$$$=POWER
Two different genocides and atrocities should not be in a competition! There is plenty of outrage here and around the world about Gaza. And the outrage and sympathy for Ukraine is, independently, completely warranted as well.
It wasn’t a surprise. The Federal Government of the United States is a Russian Asset — either with purposeful devotion or unmitigated stupidity.
Psychologically, Trump demonstrates an alarming lack of self-preservation. His bizarre adoration of authoritarian figures, particularly Vladimir Putin, has raised persistent questions about both his judgment and his vulnerability. Even under the generous assumption that kompromat exists and explains Trump’s deference to Putin, his unintelligent failure to protect himself, his country, or his legacy is striking. He excluded translators from private meetings with Putin, refused to brief advisors, and actively avoided any meaningful diplomatic planning. These are not acts of strength or strategy; they are acts of extreme stupidity, submission and fear.
Had Trump the intelligence or foresight to deny and deflect anything Putin might expose about him his devoted base would have accepted almost any narrative he put forth. Instead, he remains entrenched in subservience, a willing captive to his own poor decisions and compromised past.
What we are witnessing is a deteriorating figure, who isn’t very bright, so desperate to conceal weakness that he willingly amplifies it. His lack of insight, planning, and basic diplomatic awareness exposes a truth that is both simple and terrifying: he is and always has been plainly stupid.
Trump’s current decline may be glaring, but it is merely the latest chapter in a lifetime defined by reckless decisions, self-sabotage, and a stunning inability to learn from failure. From bankruptcies and shady business ventures to disastrous political missteps, he has repeatedly made foolish, shortsighted choices and often evaded accountability. His submissive posture toward Vladimir Putin is not a strategic maneuver but yet another ill-conceived attempt to manage a relationship he clearly doesn’t understand and cannot control. If there is kompromat, he has handled it in the worst way imaginable, by groveling, hiding, and weakening himself further. Rather than outsmart his circumstances, Trump has again chosen the dumbest path forward: serving as a willing pawn in a game that he is obviously too simple minded to play.
Trump really doesn't care who wins the Russia/Ukrainian War. All he cares about is that he gets credit being the peacemaker, so that he receives the Nobel Peace Prize-just as Obama did! He just can't shake the fact that a BLACK POTUS got a Nobel!
You’ve basically described half of America- those who support Trump or are too stupid and cowardly to oppose him.
Trump cannot ever admit that he is wrong about anything. He can never admit that he made a mistake!
That’s why everything is in outlandish superlatives! He can’t stand the idea that he is below average in anything.
That’s why everything has to be ‘gold’ . It’s a symbol of his success
MAGA followers are the same! Their emotional identity is so dependent on Trump, they can’t admit that he might be wrong ! That would mean that they are wrong. They can’t handle the truth!
The emotional maturity of amoeba.
Wow, Sarah, I couldn't have said it better!
Maybe Putin can access the Epstein files! He’s got something on Trump !
This is so well thought out and written that I copied it to use in the future.
Honestly, shocked...I did not even think WW3...but this does feel like a real possibility. I remember when my reserve unit was called to Iraq...we all believed Powell and weapons of mass destruction...then reality set in, thousands already dead and more to come, and years of ceaseless war against....WHAT, exactly? It was the Saudi's who hit the Twin Towers in NYC...stupid republican men, warmongers....
Yes, I remember when the goal in Iraq switched from destroying the weapons of mass destruction to Pres. Bush promoting Iraqi freedom. Iraqis (those who hadn't been killed in the war) displayed their purple thumbs to the cameras signifying they voted.
As I read this I had such a deep sorrow for what our, our country has become. I felt it yesterday as we saw two of the most despicable people pretending to be great leaders and statemen. Remember when the words "never again" were so pertinent and said with such fervor? The "never again" time is here.
My heart is broken.
yes....it's hard to bear....
Our embrace of war criminals Putin and Netanyahu says so much about us. Lavrov’s U.S.S.R. sweatshirt says so much about Russia.
It's time we stopped talking about drumpf-who most likely is suffering from congestiveheart failure-- and go after Project 2025.
It's odious and corrupt and will be pursued long after the orange twit is gone. He's just the useful idiot.
Sadly, every word you wrote is correct. If we survive this time in our history Trump will be remembered as our greatest traitor.
Keep fighting.
Geez this essay strikes terror and the boding of apprehension, fear and evil seems to be strengthened by the malaise of decent people. I didn't think I could be more worried but I agree with you. As Maralyn said in the comments, "My heart is broken"., as is mine.
Our society, every institution, is COLLAPSING in front of our eyes. WE CAN STOP THE IMMEDIATE HARM. Together. NATIONAL STRIKES, WALKOUTS,
BOYCOTTS....💪💪💪
“It was the day that MAGA ceded control of the world to the worst enemy of freedom and liberty to emerge in 80 years’ time.”
Brilliant Steve, you nailed it. America ceded its place as the leader of the free world; with serious repercussions and consequences to our democracy, capital markets and even our place as the reserve currency to 6O% of the world.
Additionally, new alliances for both economic and security will be formed without American input by our allies and possibly our worst adversary next to Russia; while any good will in the world that this nation still possesses; will slowly dissipate into thin air.
Yesterday was a travesty. Trump looked like he just saw his best friend for the first time in years. He gave a mass murderer a platform, controlling the stage, rolled out the red carpet, set the tone; ultimately showing Trump who was boss. And like in Helsinki, he praised Putin and their friendship repeatedly. Who does this??
Personally, I’d call this treasonous affair: HELL-sinki: 2:0! Putin got the two things he needed: legitimacy and time.
Additionally, Trump said if a ceasefire agreement wasn’t solidified, there would be hell to pay. Yet, all we hear are crickets. No sanctions, he didn’t even bother to reinstall the banking sanctions he released two weeks ago.
Not to mention, Trump walked away saying it’s in Ukraine’s hands now. Thats it? A two hour meeting and a weak response? This doesn’t sound like a victory to me, it sounds very much like capitulation.
Furthermore, I just listened to several expert positions that claimed the meeting was successful. Is this how we measure success with Trump? He didn’t give away the store?
There’s a reason for that, Trump is no longer in control. And you can’t make progress when one of the parties isn’t even invited to the SHOW!
Honestly, to me, this has all the same familiar hallmarks of the Surrender Agreement, I mean DOHA Agreement; and we all how well that worked out for the Afghans: unless of course, you were the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Bottom line; this negotiation was a distraction plain and simple, just as many of us suspected. It served no purpose other than to distract from Trump’s personal issues and a cratering economy, and the results speak for themselves.
That said, the only good that came out of this spectacle is that Trump didn’t throw Zelenskyy under the bus in public (who knows what was said behind closed doors).
In addition, it appears this meeting just confirmed what our NATO and European allies already suspected; they can no longer trust the United States going forward, and will look to make separate security and economic agreements away from the United States. I wouldn’t be surprised if talk begins for the complete disbanding of NATO sometime into the future.
Otherwise, it was a very productive meeting. I can’t wait for Trump to visit Moscow; I’m sure he and Putin will solve world hunger and Middle East peace! IMHO…:)
Trump acts like Russian asset
The Alaska summit delivers yet another propaganda wins for the Kremlin "We were interfered with by the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax,” Trump whined, before lavishing praise onto Putin. “But he understood it. I think he's probably seen things like that during the course of his career. He's seen- he's seen it all. But we had to put up with the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. He knew it was a hoax, and I knew it was a hoax.”
Half-Baked Alaska: Trump, Putin, and a Failure Decades in the Making
“So, there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” Trump conceded. Putin played Trump like a fiddle, no moral principled leadership in Gaza or Ukraine nada! Trump is in love, with the sound of his voice and Putin! What Was the Trump-Putin Meeting Even About? What was clear, though, was that Vladimir Putin was well satisfied. Reading from prepared notes — raising the question of whether they had been prepared before the meeting — at a press briefing after the three-hour meeting, the Russian president appeared especially satisfied with the fact that he, a pariah and wanted war criminal in Europe, was having what looked like a chummy face-to-face with the president of the United States, and on American soil, adjacent to Russia.
“I have President Putin. He just said it’s not Russia,” Trump said, taking Putin’s word over that of the U.S. intelligence community. “I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.”
He heaped compliments on President Trump, even suggesting that Mr. Trump was right to say that had he been president at the time.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with the backing of European leaders, has previously insisted that a ceasefire must be in place before any negotiations to end the war. This how it's done Why does Trump not understand this important, Principle of morals like in Gaza also, It's the step which should have happened on day ONE, he is simple and twisted unintelligent person who gets played by flattery, get him out of office into jail the felon!
Thanks for my first smile of the day: "Half-Baked Alaska: Trump, Putin, and a Failure Decades in the Making".
Trump told European leaders today that he favors ceding Ukrainian land to Russia. People need to understand this is not a case of TACO. Rather, this was the plan all along. Please remember what happened to Zelensky in the Oval Office.
Zelensky won't let TFG steamroll him the next time he appears at the Awful Office. He's done taking TFG's $hit. Watch what happens.
I predict a complete split between Ukraine and the U.S. in the coming days. Time for Europe to step up and help clean up our mess.
I hope Zelensky does not visit. There is nothing the United States will do for him and he has more important things to do than sit with a group of American Traitors.
Agreed. The Alaska summit was just two sadistic sociopaths playing a game of cat and mouse with Zelenskii and Europe. I'm sure T and P were laughing about as they sat together in the back of the Beast.
Both were so UNSERIOUS!
What a waste of time and money! A “SHOW.” The Apprentice on both parts?
Just a weekend lark?
Steve, your reference to Chamberlain reminds me of the movie "Munich: The Edge of War". I have watched the movie at least twice; perhaps thrice. Chamberlain was seduced by Hitler as it appears Trump has been seduced by Putin.
In the 1960s I served with USAF Intel overseas. Russia was our enemy then. Russia is still our enemy now. Obviously, Trump did not get the memo. /s. There are no words that capture the level of rage, outrage and anger that I feel toward traitorous Trump and his equally traitorous lackeys. Not only has Trump capitulated to Putin/Russia. (At least so it seems.) He also is the first person to hold the seat of "president" while also being cited as a man supporting pedophilia.
In too many respects Trump is infantile. His silly dance. His clapping hands. His churlish b/s. Yet, MAGA supports him. His cabinet supports him. The larger population of Americans dislike or hate the man. Our former allies hate him or regard him with total disgust. While I hope for the best outcome for our republic, I fear the worst is stacked against us.
We are at war. That war is against the likes of Vought, Hegseth, Bondi, Loem, Patel, RFK, Jr and a host of others. They are willfully killing our constitutional republic imposing a toxic pox upon us.
I'm still cursing those who voted for this dangerous idiot. Why? Lower prices? a "stronger" leader? Makes me question the right to vote for everyone. Not everyone might be fit to vote if they fall for idiots like Trump. A tragedy for all of us.
I am surprised that Stephen Miller, or anyone else who might have influence on Trump didn’t manage to keep him home. I guess Trump still has the power to disgrace himself in front of the world. Trump feels that standing with Putin makes him a member of the hated dictators club. He wants to be seen as a powerful man to be feared by the world, but he looked like an old, fat, puppy hoping to have his tummy scratched.
The visit made it clear that poor Trumpy is a pathetic pedophile. He has no negotiating skills, no strategy, and no concept of how to solve problems. His only method is to say he did something great and leave the mess behind. 35% of the country is still ready to believe him. Except now, he has nothing to say except that Putin thinks I won the election in 2020.
We are all suffering from the whims of a deranged and deteriorating pedophile.
ALSO: Is there a Go Fund Me site for Charles Dunn, the sandwich thrower? Of course, If Trump had any consistency, he would pardon the man for throwing something at a cop, like he did for all the January 6 rioters.
What about Gaza, the genocide of Palestinians? The sniper fire for sport? The deliberate starvation? Why is Ukraine "more worthy" of moral outrage than Gaza? I think I know why: $$$$$=POWER
Two different genocides and atrocities should not be in a competition! There is plenty of outrage here and around the world about Gaza. And the outrage and sympathy for Ukraine is, independently, completely warranted as well.
Did you withhold your vote from Harris because of Gaza?