Early Period (2013-2015)

• Trump expressed interest in developing a friendship with Putin, particularly around the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow.
• Claimed to have established a relationship with Putin, stating he had communicated with him both directly and indirectly.

2016 Presidential Campaign

• Made multiple statements praising Putin as a strong leader during campaign event.
• During a July 2016 press conference, made the controversial call for Russia to find Hillary Clinton's missing emails.
• Expressed consistent skepticism about Russian interference in U.S. elections, suggesting other countries could be responsible.

Presidency (2017-2021)

Helsinki Summit (2018)

• Publicly sided with Putin over U.S. intelligence agencies regarding election interference
• Notable quote: "President Putin says it's not Russia. I don't see any reason why it would be" - directly contradicting U.S. intelligence conclusions
• Emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the United States and Russia
• Stressed the need for cooperation to solve global problems despite disagreements

Official Communications

• January 28, 2017: Had a "positive" call with Putin discussing mutual cooperation in defeating ISIS and achieving peace in Syria

• Issued joint statements with Putin on Syria, highlighting:

  • U.S. commitment to working with Russia to de-escalate the Syrian civil war

  • Establishment of de-escalation zones

  • Military deconfliction efforts

• Released a commemorative statement with Putin on the 75th anniversary of the Meeting on the Elbe, celebrating U.S.-Soviet cooperation during World War II

Mueller Investigation Period

• Consistently referred to the investigation as a "witch hunt"
• Repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia
• Has suggested that Russia is more willing than Ukraine to reach a peace agreement
• Made statements implying the Ukraine conflict could have been avoided under his leadership.Has praised Putin as a "clever and pragmatic man" focused on U.S. interests

Made numerous statements downplaying or dismissing evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 election

Recent Period (Post-Presidency)

Pattern of Support

Throughout these periods, Trump's support for Russia and Putin has been characterized by:

1. Consistent praise for Putin's leadership style
2. Skepticism toward U.S. intelligence findings about Russian activities
3. Emphasis on cooperation and dialogue with Russia
4. Tendency to align with Russian perspectives on international issues
5. Public statements that often contradicted official U.S. policy positions regarding Russia