You're all overthinking it. The nothingburger meeting was to buy some videos from Putin.

[usonian]

What does Putin need desperately? MONEY.
What does Trump want desperately? THOSE VIDEOS.

Diplomatic cover, military, perfect spot for a gift exchange.
Make it look like nothing happened.

How many billions of our dollars bought those videos?



Only problem is that the White House concrete has already been poured and set.
Must be the resting place of "domestic" evidence that has been replaced by AI copies.

Here are some samples (found on the internet)

[ret5hd]

1. ha!!! a blackmailer NEVER returns the compromat...

he only demands another payment for its “safekeeping”.

man, you would make a terrible extortionist!
(take that as a compliment)

[Hugin]

2. Pretty much...

Trump has Putin right where Putin wants him.

[usonian]

3. Thank. you!

I have this damn honest streak that prevented me from being filthy rich.

[Buckeyeblue]

4. Yes, the meeting was more of a reminder to Trump

Trump has been a little too critical of Putin lately. Putin needed to remind Trump about whatever it is that he has on him.

And Trump only cares about himself. At this point Republicans only need Trump for 1 more thing. That's to replace Thomas and possibly Alito next summer. Obergefell will be overruled next year and Thomas and Alito can retire knowing it'll be 30 years before the cristofacist majority on the SC can be broken up.