In a striking exploration of historical ties, Régis Genté's new book, titled Our People in Washington: Trump in the Hands of Russia, reveals a long and complex relationship between Donald Trump and Moscow from the late 1970s through his rise to prominence and eventual presidency. The work, published in September 2024, delves into how Trump became enmeshed with various Soviet interests, particularly through his investments in New York real estate and interactions with figures associated with organized crime.
Between 1977 and 1987, Trump began to establish connections with Moscow, a period defined not only by burgeoning real estate ambitions but also by the rising influence of the so-called "red mafia" that focused investments in Trump Tower and other properties. Trump’s international aspirations began to take shape after he made his first trip to the Soviet Union in 1987, during which he articulated views that would echo through the decades.
Upon returning from his visit, Trump publicly advocated for the United States to stop funding the security of NATO allies, claiming during a campaign in South Carolina 37 years later that these nations were "stingy" and could not secure their own safety. These sentiments mirrored his earlier pronouncements from the 1980s, emphasizing his consistent skepticism of NATO and its role in global security.
Gентé notes that throughout the last four decades, Trump has refrained from making unfavorable statements about the Soviet Union or Russia, a relationship that has sparked interest and scrutiny in equal measure. His interactions with prominent Russian figures and organized crime have fueled debates about the nature and implications of his ties to the Kremlin.
In an interview on January 3, 2025, Genté recounted that it was after Trump married a Czechoslovakian citizen that the KGB began taking a vested interest in him. Following Trump's 1987 visit to Moscow, the KGB launched efforts to strengthen ties with him, seeing him as a potential open-door to American markets and influence.
In July 1987, Donald Trump traveled to Moscow with his wife Ivana, marking a significant deepening of these ties. Trump returned to the city multiple times following this initial visit, continuing to engage with Russian elites and solidifying his position as a figure of intrigue in both Russia and the United States.
There were ambitions for a Trump Tower in Moscow in 2015, a project that was reportedly approved by President Vladimir Putin, though it ultimately did not come to fruition. This project highlighted Trump's ongoing interest in expanding his business into Russia, despite the complexities that arose in navigating Russian business relations.
Felix Sater, a businessman who reportedly served as a liaison between Trump's organization and Russia, played a pivotal role in these interactions. According to a New York Times report from 2017, Sater communicated his hopes to Michael Cohen, Trump's attorney, stating, "We have an extraordinary opportunity to get our man elected to the White House... I will persuade Vladimir Putin to support us in this goal." This correspondence illustrated the lengths to which Sater believed he could leverage Trump's connections with Russia, raising questions about collaboration between Trump's campaign and Russian interests.
The interplay between Trump and various Russian figures, including the mafia, has been examined by Genté, highlighting a network that extends back to the Soviet era. The book covers a range of interactions, from Trump's engagements with mobsters to relationships with diplomats, all of which paint a comprehensive picture of Trump's dealings in Moscow.
Furthermore, Genté contextualizes and chronicles the influx of Russian mafia investments into the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, notably into direct investments in Trump-owned properties—drawing a clear line between Trump’s real estate ventures and these organized crime interests.
The book emphasizes that Trump's real estate empire was not just a result of American enterprise, but also intertwined with investors who had connections back to the Soviet Union. As Genté describes, "The Soviet mafia figures began to invest in New York, and this association became increasingly evident as Trump’s properties gained notoriety and attracted various foreign interests." His father's work in real estate further fueled these connections, fostering ties that Trump would exploit as he advanced his career.
Gентé references prominent individuals who were linked to Trump, from Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort to Carter Page and Roger Stone, each of whom played roles in Trump's orbit and reflected a diverse mix of political and business interests. These relationships illuminate the complexities of Trump's political engagements and the suspicions surrounding foreign influence in his administration.
Over the last few decades, Trump's interactions with organized crime figures and foreign entities have raised concerns about his motivations and allegiances. Genté's exploration of how Trump navigated these relationships sheds light on the significant foreign investment that shaped his trajectory, as well as the ramifications it had on American politics both during and after his presidency.
In discussing how these connections affected Trump’s views and policies, Genté remarks, "Those in power in Moscow realized that during Trump’s presidency, America under his leadership would not challenge Russia’s aspirations for dominance." This assumption has drawn critiques and implications regarding the American commitment to democratic principles abroad, especially during a time when Trump was known for questioning NATO and its alliances.
As the book delves into the various players who were instrumental in Trump's rise, it emphasizes the need for scrutiny when regarding foreign influences in U.S. politics—highlighting the ongoing debates about the implications of Trump's connections with Russia.
In sum, Our People in Washington: Trump in the Hands of Russia serves as a profound examination of the ties that bind Trump's real estate empire, his forays into international politics, and the shadow of foreign influence that has long surrounded his career.
