A disturbing account of Moscows ideological capture of Americas ruling elite.The maelstrom following Donald Trumps 2025 return to the US presidency left many bemused and disoriented. But for Russia-watchers, what unfolded was grimly familiar. So many of the Trump administrations destructive actions have precisely aligned with the Kremlins own objectives; and to a startling extent, Trumps America is beginning to mimic Russia itself.Abroad, Trump has demanded the annexation of neighbours, and embraced war crimes in Iran and the Caribbean. At home, the war on truth and history, purges and the weaponisation of justice, the deployment of masked federal paramilitaries to the streets of major cities and more all mirror Putins own consolidation of power. Dismantling obstacles to Russias ambitions, whether they threaten Europe or America itself, is a defining feature of Trumps second presidency. Determination to force Ukraines surrender to Russia is just the clearest example among many.Keir Giles examines Americas transformation through the prism of Kremlinology. What he reveals should alarm us all.
