In a shocking revelation, the Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has claimed that US President Donald Trump is a “Russian asset”. Speaking at the PSD Summer University, Sousa stated, “With one peculiar and complex thing – the supreme leader of the world’s greatest superpower is, objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset.”
This accusation comes after years of speculation and concern over Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders have been seen to have a friendly rapport, with Trump often taking Putin’s side in various global issues.
One such issue is the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russia has been accused of invading and annexing Crimea. Despite years of western unity against this Russian aggression, Trump has repeatedly shown support for Putin’s actions and has even attempted to negotiate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
Sousa’s comments come at a time when tensions between the US and Russia are at an all-time high. The special counsel investigation into Trump’s possible connections with Russia, launched during his first term, found no evidence of him being recruited by Russian security services. However, Sousa’s claims suggest that Trump is still acting in favor of Russia’s interests.
The European leader also criticized the US president’s lack of action towards Russia and lack of support for Ukraine. He pointed out that while the US makes “terrible threats” to impose sanctions on Russia, Trump has yet to follow through on these threats and impose any further trade impediments.
Sousa also highlighted the fact that the US is trying to negotiate a peace deal with just “one of the teams” involved in the conflict. This means that Ukraine and its European allies have to “impose themselves” on the White House to ensure their own demands are included in the negotiations.
However, Sousa believes that Europe is also to blame for the current state of affairs. He stated that Europe has “downplayed Mr. Trump and Trumpism” and did not consider the real possibility of “suddenly having a new balance of power” after the Democrats lost the 2024 presidential elections.
These statements are in stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by other European officials. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte have all praised Trump for his efforts in attempting to break the deadlock in the Ukraine war by hosting Putin in Alaska earlier this month. Even Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly thanked Trump for his help, despite the lack of any significant progress towards a peace deal.
However, outside of the government, there is growing concern over Trump’s response to the war. Former Conservative defense secretary Grant Shapps, who lost his MP seat last year, told Times Radio on Friday that Trump “has had the wool pulled over his eyes by Putin.” He accused the US president of being “incredibly naive about Putin’s intentions, which have always been to continue this war.”
Shapps also questioned why Trump thought it was acceptable to treat a dictator who is invading a democracy with the same respect, or even more respect, than he showed to the democratic country. He stated, “I think that should worry us all.”
Both Sousa and Shapps blame Europe for not taking a stronger stance and allowing the US to take the lead in negotiations. While Sousa believes it is due to a lack of investment in defense, Shapps points to Trump’s willingness to “roll out the red carpet” for Putin, who is an internationally indicted war criminal.
The claims made by the Portuguese president have left many questioning the true nature of Trump’s relationship with Russia. With tensions between the US and Russia at an all-time high, it is essential for the world’s superpowers to work together and find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In the words of Sousa, “We are out of time.” It is time for leaders to put aside their personal interests and work towards a resolution that benefits all parties involved. As the world watches and waits, it is crucial for the US to take a strong and decisive stance against Russian aggression and stand in solidarity with its European allies. It is time for the US to show its true support for democracy and uphold its values as a global superpower. Only then can we hope to see an end to this devastating conflict.
