Report: Lobbyist For Russian Pipeline Helped On Trump Foreign Policy Speech

[DonViejo]

Source: Talking Points Memo

A Republican lobbyist and former Reagan administration official reportedly advised Donald Trump on his first major foreign policy speech at the same time he was promoting the interests of Vladimir Putin’s state-run energy corporation.

According to a Politico report out Friday morning, Richard Burt received $365,000 in the first two quarters of 2016 to advocate on behalf of the Nord Stream II pipeline. Gazprom, the Russian state energy corporation, owned a 50 percent share of the company behind the pipeline, New European Pipeline AG, when it paid Burt; it later took full ownership of the company.

In that timeframe, Burt helped shape Donald Trump’s first major foreign policy address, in which he said “I believe an easing of tensions and improved relations with Russia—from a position of strength—is possible. Common sense says this cycle of hostility must end. Some say the Russians won’t be reasonable. I intend to find out,” Trump said on April 27, as the Russian ambassador listened in the front row.

The United States, Poland, and other European nations have taken official stances against the Nord Stream II pipeline, which would strengthen Russia’s energy presence on the continent.

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/richard-burt-trump-speech-pipeline-russia

[Hekate]

1. Trump has loyalty to nothing but money and power. Talk of borders and walls ....

....is laughable, just part of the con for the rubes. Trump and his ilk have no country and recognize no Constitution or laws unless it suits their current whim.

[lark]

2. Of course he is, he's "all in" for Russia.

Nothing is more important to him than to remove the sanctions on Russia which killed his million dollar sales to their oligarchs. He's also rumored to have huge loans with Russia. That would be enough for him to fuck over the world in excahnge for debt forgiveness and huge sales - he's the most selfish, stupid man to ever run for president. He should be behind bars for his cheating and fraud, not running for president. I never thought we could have anyone worse than GW/Cheney, but folks the nightmare has happened.