Trump Commends Putin on Prisoner Swap

Former President Donald Trump expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin during a campaign rally in Atlanta, shortly after a significant prisoner exchange involving the U.S. and Russia. Trump highlighted the deal, suggesting it was a notable achievement, while also reflecting on the nature of the exchange. He remarked, “Did you see the deal we made?” indicating a sense of pride in the negotiations, despite the controversial figures involved in the exchange. The prisoner swap has been characterized as a substantial victory for President Joe Biden’s administration, with Trump acknowledging the return of American detainees but criticizing the terms of the deal. He stated, “Some of the most evil killers they got,” questioning whether the exchange sets a dangerous precedent for future negotiations. Notably, Trump did not mention any of the Americans who were released during his remarks, focusing instead on the implications of the deal. Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the return of Americans was influenced by the perception that Trump could soon return to office. Vance’s comments aimed to bolster Trump’s image as a strong leader capable of negotiating better terms with adversaries. In response, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby dismissed Vance’s claims, asserting that the successful negotiation was a result of Biden’s established alliances and trust, rather than any fear of a potential Trump presidency. Kirby emphasized that the deal was a product of diplomatic efforts rather than political speculation.