The post shows a news clip where Trump defends tariffs, claiming they make the U.S. rich, despite a reporter asking if a prime minister's input changed his stance. Economic data suggests tariffs increase consumer costs, with studies estimating an extra $1,300 annually per household. Critics on X argue Trump's tariff policy misunderstands trade deficits and harms the middle class.

This is an interesting hypothetical question! If we imagine a scenario where an agent of the Russian state somehow became President of the United States, their actions would likely prioritize advancing Russian interests while navigating the constraints of the U.S. political system. Here’s a speculative list of 10 things such an individual might attempt, based on geopolitical strategies and historical Russian objectives: 1. **Weaken NATO Alliances**: Push policies to strain U.S. relationships with NATO allies, perhaps by questioning the alliance’s value or reducing U.S. military commitments in Europe. 2. **Ease Sanctions on Russia**: Advocate for lifting economic sanctions imposed on Russia, citing “diplomatic reset” or economic benefits, to bolster Russia’s economy. 3. **Undermine U.S. Energy Independence**: Promote policies that reduce U.S. oil and gas production, increasing global reliance on Russian energy exports. 4. **Sow Domestic Division**: Amplify polarizing rhetoric or support divisive movements within the U.S. to weaken national unity and distract from foreign policy. 5. **Expand Russian Influence in the Arctic**: Divert U.S. resources away from Arctic security, allowing Russia to strengthen its military and economic presence there. 6. **Support Pro-Russia Regimes**: Increase U.S. aid or diplomatic backing to governments aligned with Moscow, like Syria or Venezuela, under the guise of “stabilizing” regions. 7. **Leak Sensitive Intelligence**: Subtly share classified U.S. information with Russian operatives, perhaps through intermediaries, to give Moscow a strategic edge. 8. **Disrupt Cybersecurity Efforts**: Weaken U.S. cyber defenses or delay responses to Russian cyberattacks, claiming budget cuts or “overblown threats.” 9. **Push Disinformation Campaigns**: Use the presidency’s platform to legitimize Kremlin narratives, like downplaying Russian election interference or promoting anti-Western sentiment. 10. **Sabotage U.S. Military Readiness**: Delay defense spending or redirect military focus away from countering Russia, perhaps by exaggerating threats elsewhere (e.g., Asia). Of course, this assumes the agent could act covertly without immediate detection or opposition from Congress, the judiciary, or the public—unlikely given the U.S. system’s checks and balances. It’s a fun thought experiment, but real-world execution would face massive hurdles! What do you think—any other moves they might try?

The disgraced former chair of the Co-op Bank, Paul Flowers, has been jailed for three years on fraud charges.