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In a stark warning, former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed deep concern about the influence of advisors who admire Russian President Vladimir Putin on President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking at Fortune’s Global Forum conference, Johnson highlighted that some within the Republican Party have a "weird sort of homoerotic fascination" with Putin, praising his "manly Christianity" despite his authoritarian and dangerous actions.
Johnson's comments come as Trump prepares to return to the White House, with the former prime minister cautioning that freedom and democracy are at risk. He noted that during Trump's previous tenure, the president was "pretty tough" on Putin, but this time, the situation looks different due to the influence of advisors who are whispering "a lot of absolute nonsense" into Trump's ear.
The Ukraine Factor
Johnson's concerns are particularly acute regarding Ukraine, where Trump has proposed a peace deal that could end the ongoing conflict within "24 hours" if he were to be re-elected. However, Johnson believes such a deal could be disastrous for global democracy if it favors Putin's interests over Ukraine's sovereignty.
The Kremlin has denied reports of a call between Trump and Putin, where Trump allegedly warned Putin against escalating the war in Ukraine. Despite this, Johnson remains hopeful that Trump will not succumb to the pressures from advisors who admire Putin, recalling Trump's previous stance against the Russian leader.
A Response from Trump's Camp
In response to Johnson's comments, a spokesperson for Trump emphasized that the American people trust Trump to lead the country and restore peace through strength. This stance contrasts with Johnson's fears about the potential consequences of Trump's actions under the influence of pro-Putin advisors.
Boris Johnson's Perspective
Johnson's remarks are part of his broader engagement with global politics, as he promotes his new memoir, Unleashed. The book reflects on his time as prime minister, including his interactions with Trump during their overlapping tenures. Johnson's own political career has been marked by controversy, including his resignation over scandals and his role in Brexit.
Source:
Orianna Rose Royle, Fortune https://fortune.com/2024/11/11/boris-johnson-trump-advisors-love-putin-whispering-nonsense
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