essentially political operative 101, go out and build friendships, get people who are willing to do favors for you. >> soon butina was rubbing shoulders with some of the republican establishment's heavy hitters. future national security advisor john bolton even recorded a patriotic video endorsement. >> we never forget the joyful optimism that marked the beginning of our democratic history. we wish our russian friends that same hope. >> in 2015, butina went to vegas to attend freedom fest, the woodstock for the libertarian movement where candidate donald trump was making an early campaign appearance. from the floor, butina threw him a question about mother russia. >> if you were elected president, what will be your foreign politics especially in relationships with my country? >> i know putin and i'll tell you what, we get along with putin. >> next butina moved to the u.s.