In the latest demonstration that Russia controls Trump, Sec. of State Rex Tillerson is refusing to spend $80 million to counter Russian propaganda.
Politico reported, “Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly $80 million allocated by Congress for fighting terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation. It is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon. Another $19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson’s aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against America’s adversaries.”
There are two reasons why the Secretary of State wouldn’t spend the money that Congress allocated. Either Tillerson is trying to kill the State Department by depriving it of resources, or he is doing Russia’s bidding.
Given the close relationship that Tillerson and Putin share, it is most likely that he is helping his friend Vlad out by not challenging Russian propaganda. The evidence of this administration’s submission to Russia is everywhere. Trump refuses to admit that the Russians interfered in the election. Trump has not done anything to punish Russia for election interference. The White House tried to kill the Russia sanctions bill that Congress overwhelmingly passed. Trump has shown no interest in standing up to Russia around the world, and now, and administration that owes its victory to Putin refuses to counter Russian propaganda.
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It all adds up to a president who ran on making America great, but is owned by Russia.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
