I don't think it is blackmail. I think it is money, pure and simple. Because of this:

[bettyellen]

2. Agree but- doing gov deals for personal profit is illegal and makes them subject to blackmail- they

Are compromised. And while it wasn't their original motive, it is why they are now desperate to cover up the money trail.


And it's why they are desperately trying to normalize their doing business while in the Oval. By the time it's uncovered they hope to have convinced the public that their deals were a win win for everyone and it's no big deal. The fact that they are black mailable matters. That's why it is huge he is and was giving concessions for nothing. It's payback. Becasue he's under pressure from Putin.