In a pointed critique of the Biden administration, former President Donald Trump praised Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin for a recent prisoner exchange, calling the deal the most significant since the end of the Cold War. During a rally held Saturday in Atlanta, Trump lauded Putin for outsmarting U.S. officials, but did not mention any of the American prisoners released.
"I want to congratulate Vladimir Putin for pulling off another great deal... We have 59 hostages; I never paid anything... Man, we make terrible, terrible deals. It's nice to say we got them back, but does it set a bad precedent?" Trump said, criticizing the U.S. government's handling of the agreement.
The deal, announced Thursday by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, culminated in an emotional ceremony at Joint Base Andrews where they met with the freed prisoners. However, according to the Washington Post, Trump did not acknowledge the efforts of U.S. officials who negotiated the deal for months. Instead, he expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of American negotiators, calling their efforts "shameful" in a post on Truth Social.
Notably, Trump has faced criticism for not mentioning the released prisoners, particularly Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was detained for over a year in Russia on charges the U.S. government condemned as fabricated. Although Trump eventually called for his release in May, he was initially reluctant to discuss the matter during the journalist's first year of detention.
The prisoner exchange involved 24 people from seven countries, including the United States, Germany, Slovenia, Poland, and Norway, against Russia and Belarus. Of the Russian side, 16 prisoners were released, including one incarcerated in Belarus. In return, Russia received eight people, including Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin in Germany, two hackers, and an alleged smuggler linked to intelligence services.
Trump also recalled his own experience with hostage negotiations, mentioning the case of Otto Warmbier, an American student released by North Korea in 2017, whose return involved a deal to pay $2 million in medical bills, although Trump claimed the bill was never paid.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized his close relationship with Putin, asserting that the Russian president respects him and would not have invaded Ukraine if he were still in office. In several recent public appearances, Trump has claimed he would secure Gershkovich’s release if re-elected, arguing that Putin would do it "for me, but for no one else."
In October 2017, the Russian autocrat said, "It's his first presidential term, and he's gaining experience in this field. We've talked about this issue (North Korea's nuclear program). And he understands my arguments, he listens... I think a person like Trump, with his character, will never be anyone's hostage."
Key Insights on Trump's Praise for Putin
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that provide more context on Trump's recent praise for Putin during the Atlanta rally.
What did Trump praise Putin for?
Trump praised Putin for a recent prisoner exchange, calling it the most significant deal since the end of the Cold War.
Why did Trump criticize U.S. negotiators?
Trump criticized U.S. negotiators for what he saw as ineffective efforts, describing their work as "shameful" and suggesting the deals they make are terrible.
Who is Evan Gershkovich?
Evan Gershkovich is a Wall Street Journal journalist who was detained in Russia for over a year on charges that the U.S. government condemned as fabricated.
Did Trump mention any American prisoners released?
No, Trump did not mention any of the American prisoners released during his praise of Putin.
What was the nature of the prisoner exchange?
The prisoner exchange involved 24 people from seven countries, including the United States, Germany, Slovenia, Poland, and Norway, against Russia and Belarus. Russia received eight individuals, including Vadim Krasikov, a convicted assassin in Germany.