Trump’s motivation stems from his admiration for Vladimir Putin and his desire to emulate him. By destroying America’s standing in the world, China will also benefit and Trump will achieve his goal to be the American autocrat. But make no mistake, Trump will never obtain Putin’s approval

People are always tying to find the rationale behind Trump’s individual policy changes. It’s more useful to back up and look at the common effect each has on our American democracy, and recognize the commonality that all are destructive to America’s standing and influence in the world.