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President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his decision to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit in the United States, dismissing reports that framed the move as a diplomatic setback.
In a series of late-night Truth Social posts, Trump blasted “fake news” outlets that described the invitation as a loss for his administration. He insisted that hosting the talks in Washington was a sign of strength, not weakness.
“The Fake News has been saying for 3 days that I suffered a ‘major defeat’ by allowing President Vladimir Putin of Russia to have a major Summit in the United States,” Trump wrote.
“Actually, he would have loved doing the meeting anywhere else but the U.S., and the Fake News knows this. It was a major point of contention! If we had the Summit elsewhere, the Democrat run and controlled media would have said what a terrible thing THAT was,” he added.
The president also said he was preparing to welcome European leaders to the White House. “Big day at the White House tomorrow,” he wrote. “Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honor to host them!!!”
Trump paired his defense of the summit with a broader attack on Democrats and their handling of U.S. cities. He claimed Democratic leaders allowed crime to thrive while he was restoring order.
“These people are sick! They even want CRIME IN D.C., and other BLUE Cities throughout our Country, but don’t worry, I won’t let that happen,” Trump said. He pointed to his immigration record, claiming “ZERO illegals in last 3 months,” and pledged that Washington, D.C., would “lead the way” on safety.
Trump singled out Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., calling him a “lightweight” for suggesting that Putin had gained the upper hand.
“The very unattractive (both inside and out!) Senator from Connecticut, Chris Murphy, said ‘Putin got everything that he wanted,’” Trump wrote. “Actually, ‘nobody got anything,’ too soon, but getting close. Murphy is a lightweight who thinks it made the Russian President look good in coming to America. Actually, it was very hard for President Putin to do so.”
The posts also touched on the war in Ukraine, with Trump arguing that Kyiv had the ability to bring the conflict to a close immediately if it agreed to certain terms.
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight,” Trump said. “Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”