Subject: Re: Let’s See If This Pans Out for Putin
And we knew we would get nothing in return, but did it anyway.

Totally agree with your post, except this point. I don't think the Administration knew any such thing. The Felon "Deal-Maker" most likely thought he could make the deal, and get his Peace Prize. I just read (maybe a week ago) that the Felon either ignored or fired the people normally responsible for negotiating in situations like this, and arranged the Alaska debacle himself.

I think that he thought he would get his Peace Prize. I do not think he "knew we would get nothing". If there's nothing in it for him, he's not going to do it.