A European president just called Donald Trump a Russian asset. Out loud.
Last week in Portugal, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa addressed his Social Democratic Party. The centrist NATO leader said what many in Europe have whispered for years but never dared to say publicly.
“The supreme leader of the world’s largest superpower is objectively a Soviet or Russian asset,” de Sousa declared.
He stressed he was not accusing Trump of being a Russian “agent.” That word suggests a spy secretly working for Moscow, paid and directed by Putin’s government. Instead, he used the word “asset.” In intelligence circles, that means someone who helps a foreign power, often without even realizing it. Sometimes the term is harsher: a dupe, or a useful idiot.
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De Sousa said Trump has helped Russia without meaning to. He pointed to years of praise for Putin, public shrugs at Russian aggression, and cold treatment of NATO allies. From his view, the pattern is obvious: Trump has done more to benefit Russia than to restrain it.
The timing of the speech was no accident. Days earlier, Trump had met with Putin in Alaska. Ahead of the summit, Trump promised “consequences” if Russia refused a ceasefire in Ukraine. Instead, Putin flatly rejected the proposal. Trump’s reaction was a smile, a shrug, and the honors of a world stage. He treated Putin like an equal, even as Russia pressed forward with its war.
European officials were shaken. Many had hoped Trump’s harsh tone toward Putin at a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was a sign of change. But in Alaska, Trump reverted to form. He praised Putin while offering nothing in return to Ukraine.
Other European leaders have voiced concern, too. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Europe cannot always rely on U.S. security. They called for Europe to strengthen its own defenses. But until now, none had said outright that Trump acts in Russia’s interest.
The reason is clear. Ukraine depends on U.S. weapons and intelligence. NATO depends on American leadership. Leaders cannot openly criticize Trump. They have to keep him happy to protect Europe and Ukraine.
De Sousa broke that silence. He is Portugal’s president and commander in chief of its armed forces. He has won two elections by large margins. Even though the prime minister runs the government, de Sousa is very popular and influential.
Meanwhile, Trump’s plan to impress Putin is failing. Last week, Putin was in China with Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and Kim Jong-un. They smiled and held hands. Trump was not invited.
The meeting was the biggest ever of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It was set up to push back against U.S. influence. They also held a huge parade celebrating World War II. Xi and Putin claimed the victory, leaving the U.S. out.
Trump fumed. On social media, he blasted Xi for ignoring America’s role in the war. He then added a sarcastic jab: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.”
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
