If Vladimir Putin wanted to weaken America, he might choose a subtle but effective method: taking down the country from within. He wouldn’t need to send troops or launch missiles; instead, he could use a puppet to undermine the nation’s strength and institutions. If Putin were to handpick a candidate, it might very well be Donald Trump.
Over the years, Trump has voiced views that echo Kremlin talking points, from undermining NATO and attacking Ukraine to praising autocrats. His actions and rhetoric have played right into the hands of the Russian government, and reports from the intelligence community confirm that Russia worked to help Trump win in both 2016 and 2020.
One of the most effective ways to erode America’s power is by dismantling its institutions. Under Trump’s leadership, key elements of the U.S. government have been systematically weakened. Agencies that once protected the American people, such as law enforcement, public health bodies, and election watchdogs, have been attacked or defunded.
Institutions like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the IRS, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are being gutted or disbanded. This leaves the country vulnerable to corruption, pollution, and financial exploitation. The dismantling of these agencies is no accident but a calculated effort to destroy the very systems that provide oversight and accountability.
Internal division has been another key part of this strategy. By stoking racial hatred, anti-government sentiment, and conspiracies such as anti-vax rhetoric, Trump and his allies have deepened the fractures within American society.
Targeted disinformation campaigns have encouraged the rise of far-right extremism, and platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have become breeding grounds for propaganda and divisive rhetoric. These efforts only serve to weaken the nation, making it more vulnerable to external threats and internal collapse.
Trump has also worked to weaken America’s alliances on the global stage, a key part of the Kremlin’s strategy. He has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO, praised Putin’s aggressive actions, and called into question the value of Western alliances.
By dividing the international community, he has made it easier for adversaries to assert their influence. This strategy mirrors what Putin has often called for: a fragmented West that cannot stand together against Russian expansionism.
Whether Trump is acting on direct instructions from Putin or is merely a useful ally in this broader strategy, the outcome is the same: the erosion of American power and the breakdown of democratic norms.
Trump, along with tech mogul Elon Musk, has been working to replace the democratic institutions of the United States with an oligarchic system where a few powerful individuals hold all the control. Musk’s actions, like controlling social media platforms and promoting a corporate-friendly agenda, align perfectly with this vision of a society where the rich and powerful control everything, from the economy to information.
The damage done is not just theoretical. The Trump administration has made moves to weaken key government agencies and cut funding to essential services. The IRS has been gutted, meaning the government will lose an estimated $500 billion in taxes that the wealthiest individuals and corporations should pay.
The EPA has been significantly reduced in power, allowing polluters to run rampant without fear of consequence. The Public Integrity Section, responsible for prosecuting corrupt politicians, has been disbanded, and the DOJ’s efforts to fight corruption have been severely weakened.
Other vital institutions like NASA, the Department of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been similarly crippled, all while Trump and Musk work to consolidate power in their own hands.
Beyond institutional damage, the rights and freedoms of ordinary Americans are being directly threatened. From targeting voters’ rights to dismantling safety nets for vulnerable populations, Trump’s policies seem designed to make life harder for the average person.
Social Security, Medicare, and other protections that Americans rely on are being undermined. At the same time, privatization of essential services like education, healthcare, and housing is pushing the country toward a model that favors corporate profit over public well-being.
Americans are increasingly aware of the danger posed by this ongoing destruction. As millions of people take to the streets in protest, there is a chance to reverse the damage. But the challenge remains enormous. If public opinion becomes too strong to ignore, some Republicans may prioritize the protection of democracy over their allegiance to Trump and his wealthy backers. This could stop some of the damage in its tracks.
However, it is also possible that the protests could provoke Trump to declare a state of insurrection, following in the footsteps of authoritarian leaders like Putin and Erdoğan. In this case, America would face a crisis unlike anything it has experienced before, and the future of democracy could be on the line.
Whether Putin is orchestrating this effort or whether it is a homegrown attempt to destroy America from the inside out is less important than the reality of the situation. The U.S. is facing a crisis that could have lasting consequences, and the path to recovery may take decades. The loss of institutional knowledge, the mass firings of government workers, and the paralysis of Congress all contribute to a situation where the country is unable to effectively address its own problems.
At this moment, ordinary citizens must resist this destruction. Through mass protests, public pressure, and holding politicians accountable, it may be possible to stop this slide into authoritarianism. But time is running out. Every day that passes without action brings the country closer to a future that looks more like Russia or Hungary than the democratic republic it once was.
To ensure America’s survival as a democracy, it is crucial to understand the true agenda of those who are working to tear it down. By making this agenda clear to the American people and mobilizing the public to demand action, there is still hope that the country can be saved from the brink of collapse. However, that will require a concerted effort from every citizen who cares about preserving the freedoms and values that America was founded on.
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