Donald Trump has celebrated being complimented by Vladimir Putin. The former president seemingly saw Putin’s remarks as validation of his views on the Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s Bold Claims
Trump said that if he were reelected, he would end the war within 24 hours. Despite his bold claims, he refused to provide evidence or a strategy. It’s unclear how or why he believes he’d be capable of so easily ending a conflict that’s been raging for so long.
What Trump Said
Trump said: “If I tell you exactly, I lose all my bargaining chips. I mean, you can’t really say exactly what you’re going to do. But I would say certain things to Putin. I would say certain things to Zelenskyy.”
What Putin Said
At the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said he had heard “that Mr. Trump says he will resolve all burning issues within several days, including the Ukrainian crisis. We cannot help but feel happy about it.”
Trump’s Approach to Negotiations
Trump envisioned a diplomatic approach to the Ukraine conflict, explaining that he would bring Putin and Zelenskyy together in a room to facilitate negotiations and reach a deal. However, he continued to evade providing concrete steps that would lead to a resolution.
Trump’s Interpretation of Putin’s Praise
Trump went on to express satisfaction with Putin’s words. He interpreted them to be confirmation that he was on the right track with his stance on the Ukraine conflict. He said: “I like that he said that because that means what I’m saying is right. I would get him into a room. I’d get Zelenskyy into a room. Then I’d bring them together and I’d have a deal worked out.”
A Terrifying Silence
Trump was repeatedly asked for a clear explanation of his plan to end the war but he continued to sidestep providing specifics and maintained that he would create a fair deal for all parties involved. When questioned about allowing Russia to retain Ukrainian territory acquired through force, he offered no direct response.
The 2024 Presidential Race
Despite the lack of clarity regarding his Ukraine strategy, and despite his legal troubles, Trump remains the frontrunner in polls for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Some of his competitors have criticized his approach to the Ukraine conflict, while others have aligned with his condemnation of the contributions made by American allies.
A Tough Stance on Russia
Trump went on to say that there wouldn’t have been a war if he had remained president. He highlighted his tough stance on Russia while claiming that he had a productive relationship with Putin. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the country.
Getting Along With Dictators
The former president, perhaps worryingly, said: “There was nobody tougher than me with Russia and, yet, I got along with Putin. Let me tell you, I got along with him really well and that’s a good thing, not a bad thing.”
Trump’s Stance on Russian Brutality
When questioned about Russian brutality in Ukraine – including bombings, mass graves, and kidnappings – Trump offered a brief response, though he did acknowledge the awful nature of the actions. His answer, in this instance, aligns well with his previous reluctance to heavily criticize Putin. “It’s all terrible,” he said.
Trump’s Track Record on Ukraine and Russia
Trump’s history of supporting Ukraine has been inconsistent at best. He previously praised Putin for the war, describing him as “a guy who is very savvy” and the invasion itself as “genius.” He also refused to listen to U.S. intelligence agencies in regard to Russian interference in the 2016 election. “President Putin says it’s not Russia. I don’t see any reason why it would be,” he said.
A Wannabe Dictator
News of Trump’s satisfaction with Putin’s praise was shared across the internet and people, for the most part, were wary. One person wrote: “Trump would be ecstatic if Hitler [and] Mussolini came back and praised him.”
Trump and Flattery
Another person wrote: “Although his cult followers like to make the absurd claim that Donald Trump was ‘respected’ by other world leaders, the fact is that all of them – friend and foe alike – considered him to be a laughable fool who could be easily manipulated with flattery.”
Calling Republicans Out
Others called out Republicans for remaining silent on Trump’s support of Putin. One person said: “Not only is Trump pleased, his MAGAts are pleased too and not one elected Republican official will condemn him for it.”
A Very Dangerous Man
Another said: “Please, people. Wake up! This alone proves how dangerous Trump is. Make sure he never sets foot in the Oval Office again – or any other government position as far as that goes. He loves Putin! The two of them, along with Xi and Kim, will destroy not only our democracy but all the democracies that exist in all other countries as well.”
Putin’s Potential Sarcasm
Others wondered if Putin’s praise wasn’t entirely genuine. One individual wrote: “Putin was most likely being sarcastic but Trump’s too dumb to understand. He is blinded by his allegiance to his own ego.”
Putin’s Not Stupid
Some people discussed Putin’s intelligence, suggesting that he knows exactly what he’s doing when complimenting Trump. “Putin is gross but he’s not stupid. He knows all he has to do is blow some smoke up Don’s inflated ego and he can play him like a fiddle,” one person said.
Trump vs. Hitler
Others compared Trump and Hitler. “Hitler wrote about the effect of lying loud and long so that his followers would then believe what he wanted them to. Hitler did this in Germany at rallies, parades, [and in] speeches. Trump is just like Hitler.”
“Reverse Racism Doesn’t Exist, Idiot”: Biden’s Praise for Kamala Harris Raises Eyebrows
President Biden has claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris is fighting for freedom and that the Biden administration has rebuilt the economy. Understandably, his comments have left some people confused.
“Reverse Racism Doesn’t Exist, Idiot”: Biden’s Praise for Kamala Harris Raises Eyebrows
“This Is Why Nobody Takes Christianity Seriously”: Pastor Enters Cage of Lions to Prove God Is Protecting Him
Plenty of religious leaders claim to have some form of “divine protection” but not many of them are brave enough to attempt to prove it. One pastor, though, did possess that courage – or stupidity – and he locked himself in a cage of lions to make his point.
“I’d Like to See Him Pass a Polygraph”: Trump Fails at Basic Math and Rambles About Passing Meaningless Competency Test
According to NBC, Donald Trump has given a lengthy response to a question regarding age concerns. The former president and Republican presidential nominee candidate, who often says Biden is too old for his job at age 80, is 77.
“Seems Like Pure Racism”: House Approves Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Amendment to Cut the Secretary of Defense’s Pay to $1
The House has approved Marjorie Taylor Greene’s amendment to cut Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s salary to $1.
“In the Far Future, White People Won’t Exist”: Biden Says White People Will Soon Be a Minority in America
President Joe Biden has boldly claimed that the United States will soon become “a minority-White European country.”