Donald Trump recently shared his thoughts on Vladimir Putin in an exclusive 20-minute phone call with the BBC, expressing disappointment while clarifying he's "not done" with the Russian leader. The U.S. President's remarks come on the heels of plans to arm Ukraine and a warning of steep tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire isn't reached in 50 days.
During the interview from the Oval Office, Trump responded to questions about his trust in world leaders, stating, "I trust almost no-one." Trump, who endorsed NATO after having characterized it as obsolete in the past, participated in this conversation following a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House.
Reflecting on his survival of an assassination attempt a year ago, Trump remarked he prefers not to dwell on its potential impact on him, though he recognized that could be a "life-changing" event. When pressed about his relationship with Putin, Trump acknowledged past hopes for agreements with the Russian leader—four times, in fact—but ultimately expressed his disillusionment, saying, "I'm disappointed in him, but I'm not done with him."
The conversation ventured further into how Trump plans to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He expressed frustration with Putin's actions, indicating that he and his team are actively working to persuade the Russian president to halt the violence. Trump elaborated on his perception of NATO's transformation, declaring that the organization is now "paying their own bills" and refuting his earlier stance on its obsolescence.
Turning the discussion toward the UK's international stature, Trump commended Britain's enduring significance, citing his property ownership there. He also expressed anticipation for an upcoming state visit to the UK in September, emphasizing his desire for a respectful engagement with King Charles, whom he described as a "great gentleman."
