Elizabeth Graham, an authority on the Trump/Putin relationship, has issued a stark warning that Russia holds tremendous influence over U.S. elections, a threat she says many Americans overlook. Graham's articles have reached 11.7 million readers worldwide, and her Substack on democracy, Russia, and U.S. politics has gained a significant following. Her unique perspective stems from over twenty years living in strategic cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kiev, where she witnessed the USSR's collapse and Putin's rise. She was even invited to join the KGB multiple times, an indication of her deep understanding of Russian tactics.
Graham argues that the U.S. is facing a long-term strategic takeover by Russia, similar to the open war in Ukraine. She points to Trump's actions that mirror Kremlin tactics, including the dismantling of government institutions and alienating allies. Graham emphasizes that Putin's plan, outlined in the 1997 publication The Foundations of Geopolitics, involves placing a manipulable leader in the White House and infiltrating the country with Russian Organized Crime. She asserts that Trump's recent declassification of FBI communications is a distraction from his ongoing ties to Russia.
The expert highlights several actions that have benefited Putin: the U.S. stopped supporting Ukraine, the war in Iran has cost taxpayers billions while aiding Russia and China, the kidnapping of Venezuela's president served Russian interests, and the withdrawal of troops from key regions weakened American military power. Perhaps most critically, the shutdown of USAID, which Graham worked with, has dire consequences. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health warns that USAID's closure could cause 22 million preventable deaths in Africa by 2030. Graham calls this potentially making Trump one of history's most ruthless mass killers.
Graham warns that Trump is committing treason by weakening democracy and that Russia wants him in power. She points to Capital One closing roughly 300 bank accounts linked to Trump's businesses due to anti-money laundering concerns, suggesting a financial trail leading to Russia. With Trump's history of dishonesty and felony convictions, Graham fears he will illegally change election rules, potentially making the 2026 election the last free one in America. She urges intervention to prevent this outcome.
