Donald Trump is reportedly feeling “shattered” after leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea distanced themselves from him, according to a former insider. Lev Parnas, a former associate of Rudy Giuliani, made the claim.
Parnas, who was involved in the Ukraine investigation that contributed to Trump’s impeachment, argues the president’s admiration for authoritarian leaders has gone unreciprocated. He wrote about the issue in an article titled “Another Deadline, Another Illusion: Trump’s Dictator Dreams Collapse”.
In the article, Parnas writes that Trump “worships strongmen who mock him.” He highlights a recent meeting among the leaders of Russia, China, and North Korea, noting that while Ukraine fights for survival, Trump has been left “shunned” and “standing outside the dictators’ club he so desperately wants to join.”
Parnas claims that Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have all distanced themselves from Trump, leaving him seeking approval from those who allegedly laugh behind his back.
According to Parnas, Trump has long seen himself as part of the “dictators’ club.” He believed his relationships with leaders like Putin, Modi, and Kim Jong-un were based on friendship and mutual respect.
Parnas argues these leaders never saw Trump as an equal. “They saw him as a mark. Putin used him and discarded him. Modi shifted toward whoever gave India leverage. Kim Jong-un toys with him,” Parnas wrote.
The former Giuliani associate’s insight comes from his experience as a Soviet-born operative sent to Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden. He suggests Trump’s interactions with authoritarian leaders are more about personal admiration than strategic diplomacy.
Trump reportedly threatened sanctions and floated secondary tariffs as a show of strength. However, Parnas says the president’s concerns are largely about his own status in the world of dictators, not holding leaders like Putin accountable.
This portrayal of Trump as “shattered” contrasts with the administration’s public messaging. The White House has often emphasized strong relationships with global leaders, highlighting handshakes and photo opportunities with figures like Putin and Modi.
Parnas claims that despite the appearances, Trump’s admiration has not been returned. He writes that the president is left begging for approval from men who allegedly mock him.
The former insider’s statements come amid broader public reflection on Trump’s political influence. show how his political persona affects supporters’ personal and social lives.
Parnas also highlights the shifting global alliances, noting that China is drawing Moscow and Delhi closer, leaving Trump feeling increasingly sidelined. He writes that the dictators Trump idolizes do not admire him but view him as an easy target.
While Parnas has legal controversies, including campaign finance and fraud convictions, his perspective provides an insider’s view of the dynamics surrounding Trump’s foreign relations and personal ambitions.
The former associate claims that Trump talks tough about “negotiating” but is ultimately a fanboy desperate for approval. Parnas argues that every interaction with these leaders leaves Trump feeling “thrown to the curb.”
Experts say this portrayal aligns with a long-standing pattern in Trump’s foreign policy approach, where personal admiration for strongmen often outweighs clear diplomatic strategy. It also suggests potential weaknesses in his influence on the global stage.
As Parnas’s claims gain attention, questions remain about how these revelations might affect Trump’s future interactions with global leaders and his standing in international affairs.
The article highlights how personal ambitions can shape political actions, even at the highest levels of government. Trump’s reported frustration reflects the gap between perception and reality in global diplomacy.
Parnas concludes that Trump’s obsession with authoritarian leaders has repeatedly led to disappointment. He warns that admiration without reciprocity can result in political isolation, a lesson that appears to apply to the current president.
