Bulwark Takes: The Comprehensive Guide to Trump’s Putin Fetish Release Date: May 6, 2025
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by The Bulwark team, Will Salitan delves deep into former President Donald Trump's complex and controversial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Titled "The Comprehensive Guide to Trump’s Putin Fetish," the episode explores the origins, developments, and implications of what Salitan describes as Trump’s almost personal affinity for Putin, despite numerous geopolitical tensions and conflicts involving Russia.
1. Origins of Trump's Affinity for Putin
Will Salitan sets the stage by comparing Trump's relationship with Putin to famous historical romances, albeit with a political twist. He references a pivotal moment from a decade ago when Putin publicly praised Trump during Trump's presidential campaign, leading to Trump's immediate admiration.
- Notable Quote:
“When Trump heard that, he practically blushed.” (00:28)
Salitan highlights Trump's positive reception of Putin's compliments, emphasizing the foundation of their unusual rapport.
2. Dismissal of Intelligence Warnings
Salitan discusses how, following Putin's praise, Trump began to downplay the warnings from U.S. intelligence officials regarding Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. This dismissal set the tone for Trump’s continued support of Putin.
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Notable Quotes:
"Trump was so smitten that he would not listen when Joe Scarborough tried to warn him about Putin." (02:06)
"Wow. So Trump really had a thing for a strong man, even one who murders people and invades other countries." (02:31)
Joe Scarborough, acting as a voice of reason, attempts to caution Trump about Putin’s actions, but Trump’s admiration overshadows these concerns.
3. The Russia Investigation and Closed-Door Summit
The episode details the Russia investigation, emphasizing that U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to aid Trump’s campaign.
- Notable Quote:
“I don't see any reason why it would be. I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today.” – Trump (04:12)
Salitan criticizes Trump for disregarding his own intelligence community's findings, illustrating Trump's unwavering support for Putin even when evidence suggested malign intentions.
4. Reigniting the Relationship in the White House
With Trump’s return to the White House, the relationship rekindles amidst renewed tensions, particularly with Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. Salitan recounts a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where Trump continued to defend Putin’s actions.
- Notable Quote:
“I've known him for a long time. I've dealt with him for a long time. He had to suffer through the Russia hoax... I think that he wants to make a deal and he liked to see it end.” – Trump (05:37)
Despite Ukraine being under attack, Trump frames the conflict as a misunderstanding stemming from the so-called "Russia hoax," further entrenching his support for Putin.
5. Undermining Ukraine and Supporting Putin
Salitan emphasizes how Trump’s actions, such as cutting off military aid to Ukraine, effectively pressure Zelensky to concede to Putin’s demands, undermining Ukraine’s defense.
- Notable Quote:
“He's doing what anybody else would do.” – Trump (09:38)
Trump justifies his decision to halt aid by equating his actions to what any reasonable leader might do in the same position, thereby excusing his support for Putin's aggressive strategies.
6. Blaming Ukraine and Dismissing Previous Invasions
The episode highlights Trump's tendency to blame Ukraine for Russian aggression and to dismiss historical invasions like Crimea’s annexation by Russia.
- Notable Quote:
“Crimea... that was handed over during a president named Barack Hussein Obama... they just handed it over.” – Trump (12:12)
Salitan criticizes Trump for rewriting history to exonerate Putin, portraying Russian invasions as consensual or insignificant, thereby ignoring the brutal realities of such actions.
7. Personal Bond Over Shared Antisemitism
While not explicitly detailed in the transcript, Salitan alludes to Trump’s admiration for Putin’s domineering and ruthless characteristics, drawing parallels between their personal traits and leadership styles.
- Notable Quote:
“I'm the only one Vladimir will talk to. I'm the only one he trusts.” – Trump (14:19)
This quote underscores the exclusive and personal nature of Trump's relationship with Putin, suggesting a bond that transcends standard diplomatic interactions.
8. Implications and Future Outlook
Salitan concludes by warning of the dangerous implications of Trump’s favoritism towards Putin. He suggests that this misplaced affinity could have severe consequences for international relations, American allies, and global stability.
Conclusion
Bulwark Takes presents a critical examination of Donald Trump's enduring fascination with Vladimir Putin, highlighting the political and ethical dilemmas such a relationship poses. Through detailed analysis and compelling quotes, Will Salitan paints a picture of a leader whose personal biases may undermine national and global security interests.