By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite Donald Trump’s attempts to broker peace with Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader has shown little interest in direct negotiations with Ukraine. Russia has escalated its aggression by attacking American-owned businesses, bombing civilians, and violating Poland’s airspace, leading to concerns within NATO. Even Republican lawmakers, including Senators Joni Ernst and Thom Tillis, are suggesting Putin is exploiting Trump, with some perceiving a lack of decisive action from the former president. This situation reflects a growing consensus that Putin is not cooperating and that the United States’ approach has been perceived as weak by the Russian leader.
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GOP increasingly says Trump has been played by Putin.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that a shift is occurring within the GOP. The realization that Donald Trump may have been manipulated by Vladimir Putin seems to be gaining traction, albeit belatedly for some. The comments suggest a collective “I told you so” moment, as many feel the evidence has been obvious for years. The idea that Trump was easily played, susceptible to flattery and manipulation, is central to this emerging narrative. It’s a feeling of exasperation, of finally seeing the truth acknowledged, even if reluctantly.
The narrative that Putin had a clear agenda, and that Trump unwittingly or willingly played a role in achieving it, is also present. The suspected goals include weakening NATO and causing internal divisions within the United States. The notion that Trump’s actions, such as criticizing allies and downplaying Russian aggression, aligned with Putin’s objectives is now being viewed more critically. It suggests that Trump’s foreign policy decisions, once championed by many in the GOP, are now being re-evaluated through the lens of potential manipulation.
The idea that Trump is a Russian asset is a strong undercurrent, implying that his actions have directly benefited Russia. This goes beyond simple manipulation and suggests a deeper level of influence, potentially involving blackmail or other compromising factors. The “pee pee tapes” are mentioned, but other, more serious possibilities such as the Epstein tapes are also raised, indicating that the GOP may be coming to this conclusion because of some other influence from Putin.
The comments indicate a sense of betrayal, or at the very least, disappointment. This is most likely aimed at those in the GOP who supported Trump throughout his presidency, turning a blind eye to his close ties with Putin. The narrative that those who backed Trump are now seeing the light. It also suggests a recognition that the stakes are high, with the future of the United States and its alliances potentially compromised.
The implication is that the GOP is finally catching up to what others have been saying for years. There is a feeling that the truth has been obvious for a long time and is now starting to sink in with Republicans. The narrative suggests that the GOP is less concerned about Trump’s relationship with Russia, but is also likely to ignore it.
The recent actions and rhetoric of some Republicans support this narrative, such as criticism of sanctions against Russia. Some feel they are more concerned with pushing their own agenda than addressing the issues.
Overall, the emerging narrative paints a picture of a GOP grappling with the consequences of its past support for Trump. It suggests a growing recognition that Trump was either a pawn in Putin’s game or actively worked towards Russia’s goals. The narrative suggests the GOP is beginning to admit the truth, though this admission is laced with frustration, disappointment, and a lingering fear of what may be revealed.