Trump Administration Actions Consistently Benefited Russia,Records Show
WASHINGTON – A pattern of decisions by the Trump administration demonstrably favored Russian interests,according to a review of documented actions,raising renewed scrutiny as the 2024 presidential election approaches.From dismantling key oversight mechanisms to actions perceived as undermining U.S.allies, the administration repeatedly took steps that aligned with the Kremlin‘s agenda.
These actions, spanning Trump’s four years in office, have fueled concerns about potential undue influence and a consistent willingness to prioritize relations with Moscow, even at the expense of American security interests and alliances. The documented record provides a detailed timeline of instances were policy shifts directly or indirectly benefited Russia,a dynamic that continues to draw criticism and demands for accountability.
During the 2016 campaign, Trump was a victim of Russian interference, according to U.S. intelligence assessments. Once in office, he signaled a desire for closer ties with Russia, stating he would welcome its return to the G7. The administration afterward took several concrete steps that critics argue aided the Kremlin.
Notably, the Trump administration disbanded the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task force, wich was established to counter foreign interference in U.S. elections. Concurrently, enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) was scaled back, diminishing transparency regarding foreign lobbying efforts. Further, the Justice Department’s program dedicated to enforcing Russian sanctions and targeting oligarchs linked to the Kremlin was also dismantled.Beyond these enforcement actions, the administration also made notable cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Progress (USAID), a move welcomed by Moscow. A mass firing campaign within the administration also targeted U.S. intelligence officials.
On the international stage, the Trump administration’s delegation to the United Nations voted with Russia – and against U.S. allies – on a resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine. The White House also reassigned the special envoy for Ukraine and Russia following direct dialog from Vladimir Putin expressing disapproval of the initial choice.
Despite repeated threats to impose sanctions on Russia, Trump consistently refrained from doing so. These instances, coupled with the broader pattern of policy decisions, paint a picture of a consistent effort to appease the kremlin, according to critics.
