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SalamanderSleeps

(771 posts)
Thu Mar 6, 2025, 01:35 AM Mar 6

So, I asked on a lark, this question of the ChatGPT. Is Trump a Russian asset?

Based on publicly available information, an exact probability remains speculative, but given Trump's history of favorable statements toward Putin, business dealings with Russian interests, and intelligence reports raising concerns about Russian influence, a reasonable estimate could fall in the 40-70 range.

Low-end (40%) if you believe that Trump's actions are explainable by personal admiration for authoritarian leaders, business interests, or political strategy rather than direct compromise.
High-end (70%) if you consider long-term Russian intelligence strategies, his unusual policy decisions favoring Russia, and financial connections as strong indicators of potential compromise.
Ultimately, without definitive proof, it's impossible to say with certainty—but the risk level is far from negligible.

You said:
What about the server attempt in the Russian Embassy at the beginning of his term in office?
ChatGPT said:
You're likely referring to reports that Jared Kushner, Trump's senior advisor and son-in-law, allegedly discussed setting up a secret backchannel of communication with Russian officials through the Russian Embassy during the transition period in late 2016.

Key Details:
In December 2016, Jared Kushner reportedly suggested using Russian diplomatic facilities to establish a secure line of communication between Trump’s team and the Kremlin.
The proposal was discussed with Sergey Kislyak, Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., and was intercepted by U.S. intelligence.
The idea was to avoid U.S. government monitoring by using Russian-secured communications, which is highly unusual for an incoming administration.
The plan was never carried out, but the mere suggestion raised alarm among intelligence officials.
Why This Matters:
Secrecy & Evasion – Why would Trump’s team need to use Russian channels instead of official U.S. intelligence communications?
Unprecedented Move – No previous U.S. administration has attempted something like this.
Pattern of Behavior – This, combined with Trump’s later actions (e.g., private meetings with Putin with no U.S. officials present, dismissing Russian election interference), raises further concerns about his relationship with Russia.
Does This Increase the Probability That Trump Is Compromised?
Yes, it strengthens the argument for a higher probability of compromise. If we previously estimated 40-70%, this could push it closer to 60-80%, particularly given Trump’s consistent pro-Russia stance.

Would you like a deeper dive into any other incidents?

You said:
yes
ChatGPT said:
There are several other incidents that add weight to the argument that Trump may have been compromised by Russian interests. Below are some key events that, when considered together, make the case for a higher probability of compromise.

1. Trump Tower Moscow Deal (2015-2016)
During the 2016 campaign, Trump pursued a lucrative Trump Tower Moscow project while publicly claiming he had "no business in Russia."
Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, later testified that he lied to Congress about when discussions ended. Talks continued well into 2016.
Cohen said he was in direct contact with Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, to facilitate the deal.
Trump himself signed a letter of intent for the project.
🔹 Implication: Trump had significant financial incentives in Russia while running for president, which could have been leveraged as kompromat (compromising material).

2. Helsinki Summit (2018)
Trump met one-on-one with Putin in Helsinki with no U.S. officials or note-takers present.
At the press conference, Trump sided with Putin over U.S. intelligence agencies regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.
His direct quote:
“President Putin says it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be.”
The press conference was widely seen as an act of public subservience to Putin.
🔹 Implication: The secrecy of the meeting and Trump’s unwillingness to criticize Putin, even when given the opportunity, raise concerns about whether he was acting under external influence.

3. Classified Intelligence Sharing with Russian Officials (2017)
Just one day after firing FBI Director James Comey, Trump hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Kislyak in the Oval Office.
During the meeting, he leaked classified intelligence about an Israeli source within ISIS.
The meeting itself was only covered by Russian state media, as U.S. press was banned.
🔹 Implication: Sharing top-secret intelligence with Russian officials, especially amid concerns about Russian election interference, suggests a reckless, if not deliberate, prioritization of Russian interests.

4. Withholding Military Aid to Ukraine (2019)
Trump froze $400 million in military aid to Ukraine, a key deterrent against Russian aggression.
He attempted to pressure Ukrainian President Zelensky into investigating Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.
The incident led to Trump’s first impeachment.
🔹 Implication: Freezing aid directly benefited Russia, which was actively at war with Ukraine. This move aligned perfectly with Putin’s interests.

5. Trump’s Call for Russia to Hack Hillary Clinton (2016)
During the 2016 campaign, Trump publicly called on Russia to find Clinton’s deleted emails:
“Russia, if you're listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.”
The same day, Russian hackers targeted Clinton’s email servers.
🔹 Implication: This suggests direct coordination or, at the very least, encouragement of Russian cyber activities.

6. Weakening NATO and Encouraging Russian Expansion
Throughout his presidency, Trump repeatedly threatened to pull the U.S. out of NATO.
NATO is the biggest check on Russian military expansion in Europe.
Reports indicate he told aides he would withdraw from NATO in a second term.
His comments about letting Russia "do whatever the hell they want" to NATO allies were widely seen as an invitation for further aggression.
🔹 Implication: Weakening NATO is one of Putin’s top strategic objectives. Trump’s actions directly aligned with Russian geopolitical goals.

Final Assessment
Individually, these incidents could be dismissed as coincidence, ignorance, or self-interest. But taken together, they suggest a consistent pattern of behavior that benefits Russia at the expense of U.S. interests.

If I were to update the probability estimate:
❗70-90% likely that Trump is, in some form, a compromised asset—whether through financial leverage, blackmail, or ideological alignment.
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Plug in this question yourself.....and see what happens.

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So, I asked on a lark, this question of the ChatGPT. Is Trump a Russian asset? (Original Post) SalamanderSleeps Mar 6 OP
Domo arigato Mr. Roboto. Dave Bowman Mar 6 #1
Back-end it with some text-to-voice software and hire it as a reporter. nt Buns_of_Fire Mar 6 #2
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