Full Breakdown
Trump’s Pro-Putin Actions and Their Political Fallout
By Drooid · · How we work
Trump’s Pro-Putin Moves
Since the U.S. Congress approved new sanctions on Russian oil, Trump refused to enforce them and reversed sanctions that had been in place for four years. He argued the reversal would lower U.S. diesel prices, yet the New York Harbour wholesale spot price rose from $4.91 per gallon on the announcement day to $5.11 four days later. In a separate declaration, Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” that prompted Ukraine to pause attacks on Russian energy facilities for three days, while Russian bombing of Ukrainian energy sites continued. Reports also indicate that Trump’s envoys have asked European governments to transfer roughly $300 billion of frozen Russian assets to Washington, intending to use the funds as leverage for a negotiated peace.
Political Fallout
Trump’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from within his own party as the 2024 midterm elections approach. A January YouGov poll cited by Axios shows 81 % of Trump’s 2024 voters view Putin unfavorably. Former Australian ambassador to Moscow Peter Tesch described Trump as “enthralled” by Putin, suggesting the Russian leader has turned Trump into a “cowed, servile individual.” The commentary notes that the timing of these overtures appears aimed at influencing the upcoming congressional vote.
Key Figures and Numbers
- Donald Trump – former U.S. president; claims the sanctions reversal would cut diesel costs.
- Vladimir Putin – Russian president; receives public praise from Trump, including a “genius” label for the invasion of Ukraine.
- Washington Post – counted that Trump’s administration ignored 57 of 165 court rulings in its first six months.
- Forbes Magazine – reported Trump’s personal income rose from $760 million before his return to the presidency to $2.4 billion in 2025.
- Financial Times (London) – cited as reporting the $300 billion of frozen Russian cash that Trump’s team seeks to repurpose.
Criticism and Opposition
Analysts and former officials argue that Trump’s actions serve Putin’s interests more than U.S. ones. Critics point to the reversal of sanctions, the energy ceasefire, and the pursuit of frozen Russian funds as evidence of “abject submission.” The commentary also highlights parallels between Trump’s and Putin’s governance styles, noting similarities in undermining democratic norms and consolidating executive power. Public concern over government corruption has risen, with a Fox News poll indicating nearly 90 % of respondents are “extremely or very concerned” about corruption, placing the issue ahead of inflation and high prices.