I think Trump is charismatic as the conman for an audience that wants to believe him. That’s partly why he has succeeded in so many cons throughout his life, even though he makes bad choices due to his stupidity and incompetence and psychological issues in multiplying his wealth in any other way. This is why his stupid supporters follow him. And he is fronting the operation, letting others run their grifts as long he gets a share. This is why both party and his astute supporters are still backing him up despite knowing what he is.

I think you are correct in your thoughts regarding rationality of the circle, or rather the star, of power in Russia. But even if all of them want to just keep trucking, they are all terrified to lose out. When Putin is no longer in control of everybody else they’ll all be sitting on eggshells. If only one of them starts making moves to take over, it will be enough to make everybody else nervous and start acting out to secure themselves. A super high stake prisoner’s dilemma if you will.