To assess the credibility of this claim, let’s break it down into its key components and examine the available evidence:
1. Donald Trump’s visit to Moscow in 1987:
True. Multiple sources confirm that Trump visited Moscow in 1987[1][2][4]. He was indeed 41 years old at the time.
2. Invitation by the Soviet Ambassador:
True. Trump was invited by Soviet Ambassador Yuri Dubinin[1][4]. This invitation came after a meeting between Trump and Dubinin in New York in 1986[6].
3. Full-page ads in major newspapers:
True. After returning from Moscow, Trump bought three full-page advertisements in major American newspapers[5].
4. Cost of the ads:
Mostly True. The ads cost $94,801[5], which is very close to the claimed “nearly $100,000”.
5. Content of the ads:
Partially True. The ads criticized U.S. foreign policy[5]. While they didn’t explicitly urge the U.S. to “abandon its allies,” they did suggest that the U.S. should stop defending other countries, especially those who could pay for their own defense[3].
6. Timing of the ads:
Mostly True. The ads were placed shortly after Trump’s return from Moscow, though the exact timing of “two months after” cannot be verified with the given information.
Conclusion: True, with some minor details that can’t be fully verified.
The core elements of this claim are supported by multiple sources. Trump did visit Moscow in 1987 at the invitation of the Soviet Ambassador, and he did place expensive full-page ads in major newspapers shortly after his return, criticizing U.S. foreign policy in a way that aligned with Soviet interests. While the exact timing and precise wording of the ads may differ slightly from the claim, the overall narrative is accurate.
It’s worth noting that these events have fueled speculation about Trump’s relationship with Russia, including unproven allegations of KGB recruitment[2][3][5]. However, these theories remain unsubstantiated, and Trump has consistently denied working for Russia[5].