Does Trump even care if Russia helps Iran target US troops?
By: Aaron Blake/CNN
Does Trump even care if Russia helps Iran target US troops? The answer is NO.
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
When President Donald Trump launched the Iran war , one of his chief goals was to stop Tehran from funding proxy groups in the Middle East. Those proxy groups, he noted, were responsible for wounding and killing scores of US troops.
When it comes to whether Russia is helping Iran target those Americans, though, Trump seems remarkably incurious.
And that’s become a pretty familiar posture for him.
The most recent example stems from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s testimony before a Senate committee last week.
When asked whether China and Russia were helping Iran, Hegseth cited “ways in which both of those countries” have been “enabling some of the things Iran is doing, yes.”
Two days later, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ignored a question about the subject while seated across from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Then Trump issued a social media post contradicting Hegseth . He said China and Russia were “in my opinion, not participating” in the Iran war because their leaders had assured him they weren’t selling weapons to Tehran.
“I think, you know, I trust them,” Trump said later in the day, adding: “There could be some things they do. But, thus far, at least, it has not been major. I don’t think they’d want to have me disappointed.”
But Russia isn’t just accused of potentially arming Iran; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Moscow has given Iran satellite imagery of US bases.
When asked about this Monday, Trump again downplayed how much it mattered — saying it would have been “unimpactful” — but added, “We’ll find out if that’s true. I’ll ask (Russian President Vladimir) Putin about it.”
But it’s not like this is a new story for him to suddenly broach with Putin. CNN’s first story on this dates back nearly five months, to early March, when it first reported that Russia was providing intel on US military targets to Iran, according to multiple sources familiar with US intelligence.
(The New York Times has reported since then that US and European officials also believed Moscow was providing drones and drone parts to Iran, which the Kremlin denied.)
The president greeted CNN’s March reporting much like the news today. He said he had “had no indication of that whatsoever” but that the results in the war’s early days suggested it didn’t matter much.
“Whether or not this happened, frankly, it does not really matter,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added , “because President Trump and the United States military are absolutely decimating the rogue Iranian terrorist regime.”
One of Trump’s negotiators to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Steve Witkoff, said he had “strongly” told Russia not to give Iran targeting information and other aid. But Trump never came out and said it so firmly.
And even after additional US deaths at the hands of Iran this month, the subject apparently still doesn’t concern him too much.
All of it sounds a lot like Trump’s first term, when there was also intelligence linking Russia to the targeting of US troops. Back then, it was Russia possibly placing bounties on those troops in Afghanistan.
As of mid-2020, Trump denied he had been orally briefed on it. But CNN and others reported it had been in his daily briefing in February 2020 (which he is not known to fully read) and that the White House had received intelligence about the possibility as far back as early 2019 .
Trump knocked the story as possibly a “hoax” and “fake news” and, weeks after it was reported, said he had declined to bring it up during a call with Putin.
“I have never discussed it with Putin,” Trump told Axios at the time. “I would, I have no problem with it.”
The Trump administration emphasized that the intelligence wasn’t conclusive, and the Biden administration said by 2021 that the CIA had only “low to moderate confidence” in it. But that still leaves open the possibility. And given it involves the lives of US troops, it would seem to be something a president might be pretty interested in.
Trump, though, has done what he often does — draw an apparent moral equivalency to what the US does. During his first term, he likened the possibility of Russia placing bounties on US troops to the United States aiding anti-Soviet forces in Afghanistan in the 1980s. And back in March, he said that Russia would “say we do it against them, wouldn’t they?”
The problem with this posture is not just that it places the United States on similar moral ground to Russia; it’s that it sends a message to Russia that helping Iran target US troops — if that indeed is happening — isn’t a red line for Trump.
Trolling, taunting, spamming, and off topic comments may be removed at the discretion of group mods. NT members that are known plagiarists, repeat comments, or continue to disrupt/deflect the conversation risk having all of their comments deleted. Please remember to quote the person(s) to whom you are replying to preserve continuity of this seed. Any use of the phrase "Trump Derangement Syndrome" or the TDS acronym in a comment will be deleted. Any use of the term "Brandon", "Traitor Joe", or any variations thereof, when referring to President Biden, will be deleted. Right wing trolls can expect to have their irrelevant questions and comments deleted. Posting debunked lies will be subject to deletion. Use of the terms "leftist" or "lefty" will also be subject to deletion. ©
Tags
Who is online
137 visitors
Trump wants you to believe that America's elections are fake but everything Putin says is true.
And there are people, some on here, who strongly support this traitor. There is no reason to believe anything Trump, or his supporters, say.
trumpco probably owns parts of russian and chinese armament companies and elon is giving him a piece of the action on their starlink subs ...
Nah. You have it backwards. They own him.
entirely possible ...
Trump could not care less about what happens to American military members or to any Americans. But magas love him.
Putin likes him, thats the most important thing.
Of course he does. Putin loves subservient weaklings. Trump is Putin's favorite. Putin and Trump have the same agenda - undermine American democracy and America's standing in the world. When Trump talks about "winning", he means Putin.
What could Trump do about Russia giving intelligence to Iran?
Trump could give Putin a serious tongue lashing -- which won't accomplish anything. Trump could impose more sanctions on top of the existing sanctions -- which hasn't accomplished anything so far. Trump could bomb Moscow -- which would further deplete US stockpiles.
What is the rational, pragmatic course of action Trump should take?
trump eased sanctions on russia and iran for them to sell oil ...
Yes, Trump did ease sanctions because he got a tit caught in the wringer. Are Americans willing to pay more at the pump to punish the Ruskies?
Force gas prices higher to make Trump look worse may be a viable campaign strategy. But Democrats won't be able to bring prices down after they win the midterms. Seems like a win to lose strategy.
First thing he could do is official ASK Russia to cease and desist (my understanding is Trump did not bring the topic up to Russia). Then, afterwards if intelligence states the issue has not resolved itself. . . Trump could solicit support from his 'friends' in congress. . . . Because the implication is this: countries with nuclear weapons are UNTOUCHABLE. . . and that speaks volumes to Iran which is determined to join that 'federation.'
trump is in russia's corner on this war because zelenskyy didn't play ball in 2020 with his quid pro quo ...
I can't dignify Trump's interest in Putin as I am not into kissing SNAKES on the mouth and living to tell about it. I will suggest that democrats had better not "F" this election up. They have had two years to get their collective party tactics and strategies together. . . now it is time to sh-t or get off the pot! (Strong language yes---it's called for!)
You don't believe Putin knows where Trump's short hairs are located? Putin can turn off Russian oil shipments. Then what?
What can Congress do? Pass a resolution calling Putin bad names? Impose more sanctions? Authorize military action? Demand that Trump attack Moscow?
If nuclear weapons make a nation untouchable then how does Zelensky get away with kicking the Russkies backside?
Trump might care what Putin knows about his 'short hairs'. . . and yet, Trump is ACCOUNTABLE to know what is good and suitable for the people of the United States. He, Trump, is our REPRESENTATIVE to the world, not his own man. . .and WE would be FOOLS to let him FORGET that or Substitute and ASSERT persona WHIM/S in our stead.
Fealty to our troops' lives while they are alive is first order of business and "trump" oil shipments are secondary! We have been "culturally led" (lectured unmercifully) to believe that conservatives place great value on LIFE. Therefore, oil receipts, valuable to us as it is, is not our first or upmost consideration.
Congress can do a great many things. . . it is regretful that we often forget that we have elected representatives to office to do for us what they can COLLECTIVELY do when they get off their tired, fat, rich, asses and PRODUCE ingenuity as the first branch of a three-tier federal system. That is, all this bullshit "adversarial" nonsense that stifles and makes congress INEFFECTIVE leaves Trump running his own 'asylum' and as you can tell. . .the nation suffers as a whole from Trump 'wilding' around at 80 years old trying to figure out without the proper service of the house and senate. In other words, if Trump and his band of 'merrymen' can not bring themselves to play rough with Putin—Ask congress to do so through legislation/law.
You asked the million dollar question! . . . And, the answer to it is, Russia knows that it will become a permanent political and social outcast to the community of nations should it launch a war lasting four years against a non-nuclear state and then end it by being the first to use nuclear explosive means!
In our case, we have nothing to fear from Putin's Russia. . . we are a nuclear force unto ourselves. . .one if not the only one capable of matching Russia 'pound for pound' militarily and beyond. And that is the power of the 'Bomb' between near equals to control and restrict warfare to conventional warfare. We stand Putin's Russia down like before (think "Cuban Missile Crisis"). By the way, I understand Putin has hinted he wishes to 'try' the US again in Cuba with placement of nuclear weapons there (2025). . . as in the past we will not allow it now.
Nice rant. But there doesn't seem be an all-beef patty in that bun. You want Trump to pound the podium and scream at the sky? What else can Trump do to prevent Russia providing intelligence to Iran?
Okay, what many things can Congress do? Sanctions, war, bribes, or severe finger pointing? The expectation that President Trump can do what President Biden could not do seems unrealistic. Congress had almost 3 years to deal with Russia while Joe Biden occupied the Oval Office. So, where's the beef?
trump discontinuing to suck putin's dick at virtually every available opportunity seems like a logical first step ...
[✘]
Trump is ACCOUNTABLE to know what is good and suitable for the people of the United States. He, Trump, is our REPRESENTATIVE to the world, not his own man. . .and WE would be FOOLS to let him FORGET that or Substitute and ASSERT persona WHIM/S in our stead.
As for Russian oil. . . there is a significant talking point making rounds that says we have our own sufficiency of oil production (Trump says US 'largest oil producer in the world,' . . . .). . . so do not be overly concerned about Russian oil receipts!
If we have a president DEDICATED to his own successes while being a servant of the people . . .where the hell are WE?!!!
Stop passing the buck. Stop cancelling out the 'equation'. . Enough about Biden as the issue remain HERE and NOW, because doing NOTHING is not an option!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, okay. WHAT SHOULD PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP DO ABOUT RUSSIA PROVIDING INTELLIGENCE TO IRAN?????
Or are you claiming the American people are responsible for Russia providing intelligence to Iran? According to polls, a majority of Americans believe the war with Iran was a mistake and the US should stop the war. That would make the issue of Russia sharing intelligence with Iran moot and Trump wouldn't have to do anything.
The American people don't want to US to become more involved in Ukraine, either. Russia and Vladimir Putin doesn't appear to be that big an issue with the American people. That's why Trump's red scare bellowing about communism is widely viewed as a joke.
Now, if the expectation is only for Trump to DO SOMETHING then don't bellyache over the something he does. If the expectation is for Trump to do something in particular then that something needs to be put forward to garner support.
some american people definitely are. go look in DC, in the oval offiice and on the maga side of the aisles in congress ...
Let's "garner support" from the leaders of this country for international affairs: You can not oppose that! Afterall, the President is the responsible and ACCOUNTABLE party for such AFFAIRS OF STATE.
Did you even REMARK on the point in the article that OUR LEADER/PRESIDENT has not even broached the subject OFFICIALLY with Russia's LEADER/PRESIDENT? What is wrong with that picture?!
Nerm, it is my opinion that your comments are 'all over the place'! We have a president/leader and we have a house and senate. . . do NOT give them a pass while futilely asking THE PUBLIC CITIZENRY to make policy on its own: That is what we HIRE/PAY/ELECT our officials to do. . . the implication being they are our COLLECTIVE VOICE!
If you are going to be the "official" decisioner; then GET RID OF THE CONSTITIONAL PROVISION CALLING FOR A PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS! (Save mass quantities (and quality) of monies in the offing!
And as always, we can as the public us our collective or individual voices (freedom of speech) to tell our leaders/president how we feel about 'anything'! Certainly, you would not wish to SHUT THAT DOWN, because it would defeat the purpose of writing/talking/opining/publishing "the news"!
That's a lot of verbiage to avoid addressing the central question. What should ANY President do about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran? What should Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, or Kamala Harris in the Oval Office do about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran?
What should your dream President do about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran? Pick anybody you want to be President and advise them what to do about Russia sharing intelligence with Iran.
The fixation on Trump only serves as an excuse to avoid the main issue at hand. Donald Trump is a fucking clown that can't string 3 words together into a coherent thought. Trump shits his pants and pees down his legs. I doubt Trump can tie his own shoes. Trump does not deserve all the attention being showered on him. What does beating up on a mentally handicapped individual accomplish?
First things first: They have a little over ninety days. Now is the time. Two years down the road might as well be 20. The news cycle at this time is hyper-actualized on the bullshit, no amount of big picture is allowed. Not that I am overly fond of the democratic party, but it is the one thing that can put an anchor into project 2025's disastrous culminations (I wrote that because I cannot remember if it is "affects" or "Effects"... It is just an affectation of mine
)
We 'roll' with our sitting president and we only have one of them at a time - not one we hope for! That's all I intend to write about it relative to your remarks. Time is a commodity . . . I intend to use mine wisely! So, I thank you for sharing. Moving on. (I have a pressing issue: I can not find my ROKU remote!)
The DNC is murmuring or expressing its lack of funds in the media right now. . . . I am asking why that is. . . when fundraising is what we hear politicians in D.C. are about even to their 'upset' about it taking up mass quantities of their professional time! Incidentally, why does it take so much money to compete in elections: As a nation, we SAY we want citizen participation in elections-yet, it is a wealth 'game' now being played by and with billionaires. Even Elon Musk is coming back with a 400 million dollar superpac (in the 'nick of time' for the midterms)!
Our federal government is full of bullshit. Time to call it what it is! Any number of the politicians in D.C. in either party are corrupt, cheaters, and scum. We do not have a democracy. . .it is dead. . .just has not hit the floor yet! (A bit of hyperbole-and yet not by much.)
Write Ukraine and Nato blank cheques.
Okay. But there's no weapons to buy. Is NATO going to bribe Putin? What will Ukraine do with unlimited funds?
haven't you noticed? all Ukraine seems to need is raw material and they are cranking out new inventions left and right,
they are prepping to isolate the peninsula, close the bridge and start the squeezing in Kherson.
Hell, they are now refining the weather ballon delivery of glide bombs, drones and missiles from 18,000 feet and higher, expanding the range by yet unrealized miles.
Some have gone 400 miles past Moscow.
Trump: President of the United States of Oligarchy. MAGA supporters think they can control what is happening with Trump - 'the Wild.'
As for us who are not MAGA. . . the time is now near to act! As Trump will interpret any weakness (lack of show of strength) in the upcoming election as approval to continue to make life harder for the average American. That is, sh-t WILL hit the proverbial fan and fly UPWARD!
maga is all in, they know if trump doesn't obstruct the midterms somehow for republicans to stay in power, they're all fucked ...
This is the 'golden' opportunity for democrats to stop 'circling' each other politically and MAN-UP to take on the bully set to divide them. If democrats fail in this opportunity. . .they will become plain and simple a laughingstock as a party. (How the heck can you mess this up?!!!)
Democrat party officials even have a statement out about poor funding or lack thereof at such a (critical) intervatl as this? What the. . . !
[✘]