I would argue that knowledge or proof of money laundering constitutes leverage for Putin over Trump. Putin knows that if he were to divulge the details of Trump's operations that it'd be game over for Trump's presidency. The question then becomes: Is there a way for Putin to get the info out without throwing a wrench in his own income/laundering? Felix Sater? Dude, look at this piece on him from today: “I am a patriot,” Sater said. “Having the opportunity to serve my country and do anything in its defense was a no brainer. It was, ‘Where do I sign up?’” ... Sater says he made himself valuable to the U.S. government by knowing everything. When it comes to Trump, however, he says he knows next to nothing. Pretty interesting little interview. He claims to have never known Manafort, which is especially strange, considering that Manafort also had a residence in Trump Tower. I dunno, this shit is more consuming than a full-time job....one of the biggest launderers was a well known Russian gangster who oh so coincidentally happened to live in Trump Tower.
As questions have swirled about his supposed loyalty to Russia, Sater is speaking out, recasting himself as an unheralded protector of the United States.
Not sater, some other dude who's name is escaping me (God there are so many). Trump Inc. podcast did an excellent episode about it recently. I guess my problem with "leverage" is what's implicit in the word. It suggests that Trump would behave differently were it not for this albatross in his neck. I don't think he would. I think that he is perfectly happy in how he has made his money and will continue to do so, because he can. It could become leverage if he decided to change course, but until then I think it's better to call it cooperative. He's a keptocrat, and apparently a good one.
Well the difference between Putin and Trump is that Putin has way bigger fish to fry than money laundering. He may be a kleptocrat first and foremost, but he's also a KGB alumnus who cares deeply about statecraft. Having Trump in his pocket does way more for him than give him unrestricted access to his billions. It gives him a backstop for when he does shit like the recent chemical weapons attack in UK. Trump is so shallow that the money is all there is. For Putin, the money is just a means to an end. If he loses access to some overseas cash, he has a lot more elsewhere. Big deal.