Donald Trump-Russian Asset Extraordinaire
A Timeline of possibly the greatest security breach in U.S. history.
Introduction to Trump’s Russian Connections
Donald Trump’s interactions with Russia began to take shape in the late 1980s, particularly marked by his first significant visit to Moscow in 1987. This trip was pivotal as it not only introduced him to Russian officials but also aligned him with certain narratives that were beneficial to Soviet interests at the time.
Early Identification and Recruitment
According to former KGB major Yuri Shvets, Trump’s potential as a target for recruitment was recognized early on. His marriage in 1977 to Ivana Zelnickova, a Czech model, placed him on the radar of Czechoslovakian intelligence, which collaborated with the KGB. This connection provided an opportunity for Russian operatives to observe Trump’s personality traits and vulnerabilities. Shvets suggests that Trump’s susceptibility to flattery made him an attractive candidate for manipulation.
Correspondence Between Ivana Trump and Her Father in 1977
In 1977, following her marriage to Donald Trump, Ivana Trump (then Ivana Zelníčková) maintained regular communication with her father, Miloš Zelníček, who lived in Czechoslovakia. This correspondence was closely monitored by the Státní bezpečnost (StB), the communist state’s intelligence agency. The StB was particularly interested in gathering information about Donald Trump due to his rising prominence as a businessman and his connections within the United States.
Monitoring of Communications
The StB had specific orders to tap phone calls between Ivana and her father at least once a year. They also monitored their mail to gather insights into Ivana’s life in America and her relationship with Donald Trump. This surveillance was part of a broader effort by the StB to keep tabs on any activities or communications that could be deemed significant for state security or Western influence.
Czechoslovakia spied on Donald and Ivana Trump, communist-era files show | Donald Trump | The Guardian
The 1987 Moscow Visit
In August 1987, Trump traveled to Moscow at the invitation of Soviet ambassador Yuri Dubinin. Accompanied by two Russian colonels, Trump sought to meet with Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party. Although this meeting did not occur, Trump engaged with various Soviet officials and business leaders during his stay. This visit coincided with a full-page advertisement he took out in major U.S. newspapers criticizing NATO allies for not contributing enough financially to their own defense, which echoed sentiments that were favorable to Soviet propaganda.
The Hidden History of Trump’s First Trip to Moscow - POLITICO Magazine
Full-Page Ads and Anti-NATO Sentiments
In September 1987, shortly after his return from Russia, Trump placed ads in several prominent newspapers questioning why U.S. allies were not paying for the protection provided by American military forces. He provocatively asked why these nations were not compensating the U.S. for “the human lives and billions of dollars” spent on their defense. This marked a significant shift in his public rhetoric regarding foreign policy and defense alliances.
That Time Trump Spent Nearly $100,000 On An Ad Criticizing U.S. Foreign Policy In 1987
Continued Engagements and Business Interests
Trump’s interest in Russia did not wane after 1987; he made several trips back over the years. In 1996, he returned to Russia again, exploring potential business opportunities amid a changing political landscape following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. His ventures included discussions about real estate developments and other business deals that could capitalize on Russia’s emerging market.
In 2007, Trump sent a congratulatory letter to Vladimir Putin upon his recognition as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, expressing admiration for Putin’s leadership. This relationship continued into the 2010s when Trump hosted the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow in 2013, further solidifying his ties within Russian circles.
Donald Trump and the 2013 Miss Universe Event
In November 2013, Donald Trump hosted the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, marking a significant event that intertwined his business interests with international relations. This pageant was notable not only for its entertainment value but also for the political implications that emerged in subsequent years.
Background of the Event
The 2013 Miss Universe pageant took place at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, a venue owned by Russian billionaire Aras Agalarov. The collaboration between Trump and Agalarov began earlier that year when they met during the Miss USA contest in Las Vegas. Their partnership was financially motivated; Agalarov agreed to pay Trump $20 million to host the event in Russia. This financial arrangement raised eyebrows among political observers, particularly given Agalarov’s connections to the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin.
Aras Agalarov’s Ties to Putin
Aras Agalarov, a prominent Azerbaijani-Russian real estate developer and the founder of Crocus Group, has established significant connections with the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin. His relationship with Putin is multifaceted, involving both business collaborations and social recognition.
Social Recognition and Awards
In 2013, shortly after hosting the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow—an event owned by Donald Trump—Agalarov was awarded one of Russia’s highest civilian honors by Putin. This award further cements his status as a favored businessman within elite circles in Russia. The pageant itself served as a platform for Agalarov to strengthen his relationship with Trump and gain visibility on an international stage.
Why Oligarchs are Important to Russian Intelligence
The Kremlin often utilizes wealthy businessmen like Agalarov to facilitate connections with foreign entities or individuals who may be beneficial to its interests. Analysts suggest that while no one may be a direct agent of the Kremlin, individuals like Agalarov can become conduits for information or influence when necessary due to their established networks and relationships.
Furthermore, during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, Agalarov’s name surfaced in discussions regarding potential collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russian operatives. His son Emin Agalarov played a role in arranging a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer who claimed to have damaging information about Hillary Clinton—a meeting that raised questions about the extent of their involvement with political machinations linked to the Kremlin.
How Epstein Fits In
Jeffrey Epstein’s Blackmail Scheme
Jeffrey Epstein’s operations have been widely characterized as involving a sophisticated blackmail scheme that leveraged his connections with powerful individuals. This scheme is believed to have played a significant role in how he maintained influence and amassed wealth throughout his life.
Background of Epstein’s Activities
Epstein, who was a financier and convicted sex offender, cultivated relationships with many high-profile figures across various sectors, including politics, business, and entertainment. His ability to attract these individuals was not merely due to his wealth but also because of the access he provided to exclusive social circles and events. This access often included environments where illicit activities could occur without scrutiny.
The Allegations of Blackmail
The core of the blackmail allegations revolves around Epstein’s possession of compromising material on influential people. Reports suggest that he had hidden cameras installed in his residences, which recorded sexual encounters involving underage girls and prominent men. Such footage would provide him with substantial leverage over these individuals, potentially coercing them into silence or compliance regarding his illegal activities.
According to various accounts, including those from legal experts and investigators, Epstein’s strategy may have involved not only the collection of this incriminating evidence but also the careful management of relationships with those he targeted. By maintaining a façade of friendship or business partnership, he could manipulate situations to ensure that those in his orbit remained loyal or at least unwilling to expose him.
Jeffrey Epstein’s Connections with Russian Oligarchs
Overview of Epstein’s Network
Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender, had a complex network that included various high-profile individuals across different sectors, including politics, business, and entertainment. While much of his known connections were primarily within the United States and Europe, recent investigations have revealed ties to Russian oligarchs and officials.
Key Figures in Epstein’s Russian Connections
Sergei Belyakov: One of the most notable connections is with Sergei Belyakov, who served as Deputy Minister of Economic Development in Russia. Belyakov was involved in organizing the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), an event that has been linked to the presence of escorts and potential blackmail schemes involving powerful businessmen. Epstein reportedly sought Belyakov’s assistance regarding a Russian model who was allegedly blackmailing American businessmen.
Oleg Deripaska: Although not directly mentioned in the context of Epstein’s immediate circle, Oleg Deripaska is a prominent Russian oligarch whose name has surfaced in discussions about political influence and financial dealings involving various figures connected to Epstein. Deripaska has been associated with numerous high-profile scandals and has had interactions with U.S. political figures.
High-Profile Guests at SPIEF: The SPIEF has attracted numerous influential guests from around the world, including those from Russia’s elite circles. Epstein’s involvement in recruiting high-profile attendees for this forum indicates a strategic connection to Russia’s economic elite.
Nature of Connections
Epstein’s connections with these individuals often revolved around financial advice and networking opportunities rather than overt criminal activities. However, there are implications that these relationships could have facilitated illicit activities or provided cover for more nefarious dealings:
Blackmail Schemes: The presence of escort services at events like SPIEF raises concerns about potential blackmail operations targeting wealthy attendees, which could include foreign oligarchs.
Economic Advising: Epstein offered advice on navigating sanctions against Russia, suggesting he maintained a level of influence or at least access to key economic discussions within Russian circles.
Intelligence Backgrounds: Belyakov’s background as an FSB Academy graduate adds another layer of complexity to these connections, hinting at possible intelligence-related motivations behind some interactions.
Jeffrey Epstein’s Visit to Moscow in 2015
In July 2015, Jeffrey Epstein was involved in a notable incident that linked him to Russian figures and highlighted his connections within elite circles. During this time, he reached out to Sergei Belyakov, who was then the Deputy Minister of Economic Development in Russia. The communication between Epstein and Belyakov revolved around a Russian model named Guzel Ganieva, who was allegedly attempting to blackmail a group of powerful businessmen in New York.
Epstein’s message indicated that Ganieva had arrived in New York and was staying at the Four Seasons Hotel. He expressed concern about her actions, suggesting that they were detrimental to business interests for those involved. In response, Belyakov quickly provided Epstein with a profile of Ganieva, indicating her financial success as an escort during peak seasons, which could amount to over $100,000.
This exchange not only illustrates Epstein’s involvement with individuals connected to the Russian elite but also sheds light on the broader context of how escort services operate within high-profile events like the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The SPIEF has been known as a venue where female escorts are often present, raising questions about the intersection of business and illicit activities.
Furthermore, Epstein’s interactions with Belyakov suggest that he was not merely a passive observer but actively engaged in navigating complex social dynamics involving power and potential exploitation. This incident underscores the controversial nature of Epstein’s dealings and his ability to leverage relationships across international borders.
In summary, Jeffrey Epstein’s visit to Moscow in 2015 is marked by his communication with Sergei Belyakov regarding a model involved in blackmailing businessmen. This reflects both his connections within Russian elite circles and the intricate web of relationships he maintained throughout his life.
Jeffrey Epstein’s Russian Connection
Donald Trump’s Dealing with Russia Timeline 2015-2018
June 2015: Trump Announces Candidacy
Donald J. Trump formally announces his candidacy for the presidency, marking the beginning of his political journey.
July 2015: Invitation to Moscow
Shortly after announcing his campaign, Trump receives an invitation to attend the 60th birthday party of Russian billionaire Aras Agalarov in Moscow. This event highlights Trump’s ongoing business ties with Russia.
Fall 2015: Pursuit of Moscow Real Estate Project
The Trump Organization begins actively pursuing a real estate project in Moscow, indicating a continued interest in Russian investments.
March 2016: Russian Contacts Intensify
During this period, Russian officials reach out to members of Trump’s campaign offering “dirt” on Hillary Clinton. This marks a significant escalation in contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives.
June 9, 2016: Trump Tower Meeting
Donald Trump Jr., along with other senior campaign officials, meets with a group of Russians at Trump Tower after being promised damaging information about Clinton. This meeting becomes one of the most scrutinized events regarding potential collusion.
July 2016: FBI Investigation Opens
The FBI opens a counterintelligence investigation into the Trump campaign based on evidence suggesting that Russia was attempting to interfere in the election and had contacts with campaign officials.
October 7, 2016: WikiLeaks Releases Emails
On the same day that news breaks about Russian hacking efforts against the Democratic National Committee (DNC), WikiLeaks releases emails from John Podesta, Clinton’s campaign chairman. Trump’s public statements appear to coincide closely with these releases.
January 20, 2017: Inauguration Day
Trump is inaugurated as President of the United States amidst ongoing investigations into his campaign’s connections with Russia.
February 2017: Flynn Resigns
Michael Flynn resigns as National Security Advisor after it is revealed that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak regarding sanctions.
May 2017: Appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller
Following increasing scrutiny and pressure from Congress and the public, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appoints Robert Mueller as special counsel to oversee the investigation into Russian interference and any related matters involving Trump’s campaign.
July 13, 2018: Indictment of Russian Intelligence Officers
Mueller’s investigation results in an indictment against twelve Russian intelligence officers for their role in hacking the DNC and Clinton’s campaign during the election.
This timeline encapsulates key events surrounding Donald Trump’s dealings with Russia from his initial candidacy through significant moments during his presidency. The interactions between Trump’s campaign and various Russian entities have been central to investigations regarding foreign interference in U.S. elections.