Donald Trump never saw it coming. According to Fiona Hill, a top Russia expert and former senior official on the National Security Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin had an easy time manipulating the former U.S. president—without him even realizing it. Hill, who was privy to key interactions between the two leaders, recently revealed just how effortlessly Putin played Trump like a fiddle during phone calls, subtly mocking him while maintaining the facade of diplomacy.
Hill’s revelations provide fresh insight into Trump’s dealings with Putin, painting a picture of a Russian leader who masterfully exploited the former president’s weaknesses. According to Hill, Trump’s lack of preparation and tendency to respond impulsively created the perfect conditions for Putin to steer conversations in his favor. While Trump may have believed he was commanding the dialogue, it was, in reality, the Russian leader who dictated the course of their exchanges.
Putin’s Strategy: Flattery, Control, and Deception
Putin’s approach, as described by Hill, was a calculated mix of charm and psychological manipulation. One of the key tactics he used was flattery—feeding Trump’s ego while subtly steering the conversation in a way that benefited Russia. Trump, known for responding well to praise, often appeared to miss the underlying intent behind Putin’s words.
Hill recalled specific phone calls in which Putin employed a calm and confident tone, presenting himself as a wise, experienced leader who could guide Trump through complex geopolitical matters. This strategy allowed him to control the narrative and gain subtle leverage over the U.S. president. By the time the call ended, Putin had secured what he wanted—often without Trump even realizing he had been maneuvered.
The Mockery Trump Didn’t Catch
Perhaps the most stunning revelation from Hill’s account is that Putin wasn’t just outmaneuvering Trump—he was also mocking him. Hill claims that during these phone exchanges, Putin used a combination of sarcasm and coded language that Trump failed to recognize. To those familiar with Russian political tactics, the jabs were obvious, but Trump, lacking the necessary background and experience in Russian affairs, remained oblivious.
This pattern of interaction was not limited to phone calls. In face-to-face meetings, Hill observed similar dynamics, where Putin’s calculated demeanor contrasted sharply with Trump’s often erratic behavior. The Russian leader knew precisely how to manipulate the situation, playing to Trump’s weaknesses and ensuring that any agreements or discussions favored Russia’s interests.
A Long History of Psychological Warfare
Experts have long pointed to Putin’s background as a former KGB officer as a key factor in his ability to psychologically manipulate world leaders. Trained in deception and strategic persuasion, Putin has spent decades refining his ability to read people and exploit their vulnerabilities. With Trump, he found an especially easy target—someone who valued personal loyalty and admiration over strategic caution.
Hill’s testimony aligns with previous reports suggesting that Trump was particularly susceptible to flattery from authoritarian leaders. Throughout his presidency, he repeatedly praised strongmen like Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and China’s Xi Jinping, often appearing to take their words at face value while dismissing concerns raised by U.S. intelligence agencies and diplomatic experts.
The Broader Implications of Putin’s Manipulation
Hill’s revelations raise serious questions about how much influence Putin may have exerted over Trump’s foreign policy decisions. If the Russian leader was able to manipulate the former president so easily in private conversations, what impact did this have on key geopolitical events? From Trump’s refusal to publicly challenge Putin on election interference to his abrupt policy shifts on NATO and Ukraine, there are multiple instances where his actions seemed to align with Russian interests.
Even after leaving office, Trump continues to speak favorably of Putin, often echoing Kremlin-friendly talking points. His recent comments downplaying the threat of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and his past remarks suggesting he trusts Putin more than U.S. intelligence agencies only add fuel to concerns about how deeply the Russian leader influenced his thinking.
The Unfinished Story
As more details emerge about Trump’s interactions with Putin, the full extent of their relationship remains a subject of intense scrutiny. Hill’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes power dynamics between the two leaders, but many questions remain unanswered. How much did Putin shape Trump’s policies? Did Trump’s advisers recognize the manipulation and try to counter it? And most importantly, what are the long-term consequences for U.S. foreign policy?
One thing is clear: Putin’s tactics worked. Whether through flattery, psychological manipulation, or outright mockery, he managed to exert an unusual level of influence over an American president. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that leaders like Putin never stop playing the game—they just wait for their next opportunity.
I don’t believe Fiona Hill at all. President Trump knows very well how to negotiate even if it seems to her that he’s being manipulated. That’s all part of the deal.