They’re not even trying to hide it any longer: the “rehabilitation” of Vladimir Putin by Donald Trump, their joint plot to defeat Ukraine, the purchase of Russian fuel and lifting of sanctions, the overlooking of Russian interference in U.S. elections.
And now . . .
Well, first there was Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding reception in May, paid for as a wedding gift from Kremlin insider and oligarch Umar Kremlev. When that news created a stir, it was quickly announced that the younger Trump had repaid the money . . . though we only have their word for that.
And it has just been reported that in August, Don Jr. also spent two days of his hunting trip in Mongolia with the same generous friend. Although they were very careful not to be photographed together, a guide on that adventure told Financial Times on Tuesday that Trump Jr. had killed an Altai argali, an endangered sheep valued for its large horns. [Edith Olmsted, The New Republic, October 27, 2026.]
And while his namesake has been holding hands with Russia’s rich and infamous, Don Sr. has been taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the so-called peace negotiations to sneak in a few lucrative business deals of his own. The latest is a proposal that American oil companies return to the Russian market, possibly reviving joint production at Sakhalin and restoring Russian crude exports to Europe via the Druzhba pipeline. There is also talk of resuming Russian titanium exports to the U.S., and reopening Russian airspace to U.S. airlines in order to reduce fuel costs. [Kyiv Post, October 28, 2026.]
The Kremlin has confirmed that the talks between Putin and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg on October 21st included a discussion of the possible involvement of Russian energy giant Lukoil. [Id.]
All of this, of course, runs counter to the most recent sanctions enacted by Congress on September 18th: The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (S. 5025 / H.R. 5334), which was signed into law by none other than Donald J. Trump himself.
Can you imagine the stink that would have been raised if, say, Hunter Biden had been caught hobnobbing with Russian oligarchs? Or if Barack Obama had entered into back-room deals with America’s enemies to benefit himself and his wealthiest campaign contributors?
So where is the outrage now? Hopefully it’s just waiting patiently for the results of next Tuesday’s elections. And then . . .
. . . let the investigations begin.
Just sayin’ . . .
Brendochka
10/29/26
