How Trump’s first visit to Moscow shaped his decades-long stance on NATO and foreign policy.
Donald Trump’s antagonism toward NATO and his unusual stance on Russia can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 1987. That year, after his first visit to Moscow, Trump took out full-page ads in major U.S. newspapers attacking America’s allies for not paying their “fair share” for defense—an argument that directly aligned with Soviet propaganda at the time.
Before this, Trump had expressed little interest in NATO or foreign policy, instead focusing on business and even discussing nuclear disarmament. However, after his trip, which was arranged by Soviet officials, his rhetoric shifted drastically. He began echoing themes that the KGB had pushed—sowing doubt about American alliances while expressing admiration for Russian leadership.
For decades, Trump has maintained this stance. From praising Vladimir Putin to suggesting he would let Russia “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO allies who don’t meet spending goals, his words have consistently mirrored Kremlin talking points. His repeated visits to Russia, including those by his children, further deepened speculation about long-term ties between Trump and Russian interests.
Trump’s history of financial entanglements, his failed Moscow business ventures, and his open admiration for authoritarian leaders continue to raise questions about his motivations. As NATO faces critical challenges, his decades-old hostility toward the alliance remains a concerning legacy of his relationship with Russia.
Read the full article to see how Trump’s foreign policy views were shaped.
Read the full article to learn how Russian intelligence shaped Trump’s political trajectory, from The Hill.
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