General Discussion

I mean the threat of release is repeatable. But the actual release can only happen once. And then not only do you have nothing but the rest of the world knows you were using them for blackmail. Which has its own implications. It's almost mutually assured destruction. I say almost because there is a chance, maybe a good chance, that very little comes of it. And then you've figuratively freed your captive without getting any ransom.

I think there is a bigger carrot being dangled in front of Trump. He's gotten to know Putin. Putin has gotten to know him. Trump most likely helped launder a bunch of money. And in exchange the Russians provided him with financing when no other bank in the world would even let him in their lobby.

Some day it'll all come out.