Note by James R. Martin, Ph.D., CMA
Professor Emeritus, University of South Florida
Political Issues Main Page
The purpose of this book is to report on a comprehensive investigation into the four-decade-long relationship between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and the Russian Mafia. According to Craig Unger the book reveals a number of relationships and connections that help answer questions such as: Is Donald Trump a traitor, a Russian agent, or merely a useful idiot who somehow does not even know he has been compromised by Russia?
Unger tells us in the first chapter that the book shows the following:
Over the past 40 years Donald Trump and his associates have had ties to at least fifty-nine people who facilitated business between Trump and various Russians, dozens with alleged ties to the Russian Mafia. These 59 connections are listed, with explanations on pages 265-279.
Trump allowed his real estate business to be used in a way that probably involved laundering significant amounts of money (perhaps billions) for the Russian Mafia.
Trump provided a home for the Russian Mafia in Trump Tower.
Many people connected to Trump have had strong ties to the Russian state security service (FSB), the successor to the KGB.
Trump has been of interest to the Russians for forty years and was likely the subject of one or more operations that produced compromising materials on his sexual activities.
Russian operatives hired lawyers, lobbyists, accountants and real estate developers in an effort to compromise America's electoral system, legal process, and financial institutions.
Trump was only one of dozens of politicians (mostly Republicans, but some Democrats) and businessmen who became indebted to Russia, including Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.
Two FBI directors (William Sessions and Louis Freeh), and others involved in America's national security worked for Russians who had been threats to the U.S.
Trump was $4 billion in debt when Russian money bailed him out, and he remains deeply indebted to the Russians for that, and for launching his life in politics.
Trump partnered with a convicted felon named Filix Sater, allegedly tied to the Russian mob, did not disclose the relationship, and profited from it.
President Trump is, in effect, an intelligence asset for Russia and Vladimir Putin.
Trump might not be a Russian asset, but he certainly seems to act like one. The photo and description below it (in the book after page 48) tell the story. After Trump won the election, the Russian state media stated "Trump is ours."
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Related Summaries:
Anonymous. 2019. A Warning: A Senior Trump Administration Official. Twelve: Hachette Book Group. (Summary).
Crossan, M., W. Furlong and R. D. Austin. 2022. Make leader character your competitive edge. MIT Sloan Management Review (Fall): 1-12. This article includes a leader character franework. (Summary).
Martin, J. R. Not dated. Shepard Fairey Political Posters.
Martin, J. R. Not dated. Summary of Trump's Seven Part Plan to Overturn the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
Martin, J. R. Not dated. Summary of what Trump is and what he is not.
