Frank Bruni frames the recent Buzzfeed scoop perfectly:

Through that lens, this presidency and its shortcomings make complete sense. Trump couldn’t assemble and manage a top-notch cabinet because he’d never readied himself for that task. He couldn’t let go of any of the engines of his wealth because he’d never prioritized public service above it.

Trump wasn’t and isn’t a Russian agent. Trump has simply been an agent for Trump the whole time.

Understood this way, the real question is why the GOP has given Trump enough rope to hang the whole party.