The thing is, what does Trump think he’s doing? It’s obvious that he doesn’t like Zelensky, personally! It’s also obvious that he loves Putin. The question is why…why is he so fond of Putin? Perhaps he’s not as fond of him as he is scared of him. What does Putin have on Trump that’s making him act like one of Le Carré’s Smiley People spies?
I don't know. As you know, I'm not clever about people. So many motivations have been proposed...does Trump envision a new world order in which he rules (I don't think he plans to leave office) his sphere, Putin rules his and Xi rules his? Or, does he just like hanging around with powerful bullies, people he relates to and can understand? Trump is an oligarch...no question. The U. S. is becoming a kleptocracy. Is that the model? Business, making money, exploiting resources and the public purse for personal gain?
I don't know. I only know he is not dealing with domestic politics and geopolitical reality as an idealist, as a person who believes in democracy and rule of law.
Very discouraging.