Donald Trump’s ties to Russia, and specifically Vladimir Putin, have long been a topic of intense scrutiny. Former US national security adviser H.R. McMaster reveals that Putin exploited Trump’s insecurities, manipulating him through flattery and praise. Trump dismissed negative assessments of Putin, even firing McMaster over disagreements about Russia. This paints a troubling picture of a president easily swayed by foreign influences. Trump’s fascination with Putin was so intense that he obsessed over a New York Post article praising him, which McMaster believed Putin could use to manipulate Trump. This vulnerability to flattery compromised national security and raised serious concerns about Trump’s judgment. Throughout his presidency, Trump was often surrounded by individuals with direct or indirect ties to Russia. Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign chairman, had extensive connections to Russian oligarchs. Michael Flynn, Trump’s initial National Security Advisor, resigned after misleading officials about his communications with the Russian ambassador. Then there was Roger Stone, a long-time Trump advisor, convicted of lying about his contacts with WikiLeaks, which released hacked Democratic emails, widely believed to be sourced from Russian operatives. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Trump deflected blame onto the Biden administration, a claim even disputed by his own former advisor John Bolton. Trump’s propensity for creating alternative realities to fit his narrative became increasingly evident. He falsely asserted that Vice President Kamala Harris met with Putin before the invasion, a claim debunked by fact-checkers. What remains particularly concerning are Trump’s secretive meetings with Putin, where details were often concealed, even from his own administration. This secrecy fuels suspicions about the true nature of their relationship and potential conflicts of interest. In the end, Trump’s fabricated narratives and undisclosed conversations with Putin leave a cloud of uncertainty and mistrust. The extent of these connections and the implications for US national security warrant serious concern. Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the hidden truths behind Trump’s ties to Russia.