Trump Gives Worrying Blunt Response When Asked If He Trusts Putin
Donald Trump has expressed deep frustration with Vladimir Putin, admitting he “trusts almost nobody” – including the Russian leader. The blunt admission came during an interview with the BBC, where Trump revealed his disappointment in Putin’s actions despite previously believing they were close to a Ukraine peace deal.
Trump criticized Putin’s continued aggression, recalling how Russian forces attacked Kyiv just as negotiations seemed promising. “I said: ‘What the hell was that all about?'” he remarked, though he insisted he wasn’t “finished” with the Russian president despite his disillusionment.
The former president avoided linking his recent assassination attempt to his stance on Russia, saying he didn’t want the event to be “life-changing.” However, his tone toward Moscow has hardened, with threats of “very severe tariffs” if no Ukraine deal is reached within 50 days.
These secondary sanctions would target countries buying Russian oil, potentially doubling import costs for China, India, and Germany. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that the measures are economic penalties, not direct tariffs on Russian goods.
Trump emphasized his dissatisfaction during a meeting with NATO’s Secretary-General, blaming Putin for stalled negotiations. “I thought we would have had a deal two months ago,” he said, warning of 100% penalties if diplomacy fails.
The proposed sanctions mark a shift from Trump’s earlier claims that he could end the war in 24 hours. With U.S.-Russia trade already crippled by Biden-era measures, the new penalties aim to further isolate Moscow economically.
While Trump’s relationship with Putin remains strained, his approach now combines pressure with reluctant engagement – a stark contrast to his past optimism about dealing with the Kremlin. The next 50 days will test whether threats alone can force a breakthrough.
