Published on: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:15:17 GMT
Original Story: With ‘Tremendous’ Deals at Stake, Trump Is Bringing Russia in From the Cold – The New York Times

Trump Loves Russia Again? Shocker.

Oh, honey, grab your pearls. Remember when we all collectively lost brain cells trying to decipher Trump’s “art of the deal”? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because he’s at it again, and this time, it involves everyone’s favorite geopolitical frenemy: Russia. Apparently, “tremendous” deals are at stake, which, in Trump-speak, probably means another golf course is getting built somewhere that common sense forgot.

Bringing Russia in From the Cold (Again)

According to that bastion of liberal hysteria, The New York Times, Trump is “bringing Russia in from the cold.” Because, you know, sanctions, international condemnation, and alleged election interference are just minor inconveniences when there’s a handshake and a photo op to be had. It’s like that ex you KNOW is bad news but you keep drunk-texting at 2 AM. Only this ex has nukes and a penchant for poisoning dissidents.

The “Tremendous” Deals

What “tremendous” deals, you ask? Well, details are predictably vague. The Times article hints at potential energy deals and… wait for it… cooperation on “counterterrorism.” Because nothing says effective counterterrorism like partnering with the country that’s been accused of, you know, sponsoring terrorism. It’s like asking a pyromaniac to head up the fire department. What could possibly go wrong?

Hypocrisy: A Trump Signature

Let’s not forget the delicious irony here. Remember back in 2016 when Trump was practically giddy about how tough he was going to be on Russia? He promised to “drain the swamp,” and apparently, that swamp was located somewhere near the Kremlin. He even floated the idea of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory. Oh, wait, he *did* float that idea. Several times. Good times. He promised to make Russia “respect” us. Fast forward to now, and we’re basically offering them a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa. Because apparently, “respect” means letting them back into the global fold while they continue to meddle in our elections and prop up authoritarian regimes.

Trump’s history with Russia is, shall we say, complicated. One minute he’s tweeting about how tough he is, the next he’s cozying up to Putin like they’re sharing a double-wide recliner and watching reruns of “The Apprentice.” It’s enough to give a sane person whiplash.

The Tariff Tango: A Quick Refresher

And speaking of the economy, remember the whole tariff war with China? The one that supposedly was going to “Make America Great Again” but instead resulted in higher prices for consumers and a general sense of economic anxiety? It’s all part of the same playbook. Promise the world, deliver… something entirely different. In 2018, Trump slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, claiming it would protect American industries. Except it didn’t really, and instead, it just made everything more expensive. Expect similar levels of economic wizardry with this Russia gambit. “Tremendous” deals for whom, exactly?

The “Art of the Deal” Revisited

So, what’s the endgame here? Is this some brilliant, Machiavellian strategy we mere mortals can’t comprehend? Or is it just another example of Trump’s impulsive decision-making, driven by a desire to be seen as a dealmaker, regardless of the consequences? Your guess is as good as mine. But if history is any indication, it’s probably a healthy dose of both, seasoned with a heaping spoonful of ego.

And let’s not forget the potential impact on our allies. They’re already scratching their heads over Trump’s foreign policy decisions. This latest move is likely to leave them even more bewildered. Imagine being a European leader trying to explain to your constituents why you’re supporting sanctions against Russia while the U.S. president is shaking hands and talking about “tremendous” deals. Awkward.

Consequences? What Consequences?

Of course, none of this is happening in a vacuum. Russia is still, you know, actively engaged in undermining democracies around the world, supporting separatists in Ukraine, and generally being a thorn in the side of Western civilization. But hey, who needs allies when you have “tremendous” deals to make? It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off. (Spoiler alert: it probably won’t.)

The Bottom Line (According to Trump)

In Trump’s world, everything is transactional. National security, international relations, even basic human decency – it’s all just a bargaining chip to be used in the pursuit of… well, whatever makes Trump feel good about himself on any given Tuesday. And if that means cozying up to a hostile foreign power, so be it. After all, “tremendous” deals are at stake.

Snarky Takeaway

So, there you have it. Trump is bringing Russia in from the cold, presumably because he thinks he can get a good deal. Just try not to choke on your own cynicism when you hear about the “tremendous” benefits this will supposedly bring to America. And remember, when Trump says “tremendous,” he usually means “tremendously bad for everyone except himself.” Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a bottle of wine and contemplate the meaninglessness of it all.