Trump criticizes Biden over reporter Evan Gershkovich's 16-year sentencing, promises release if reelected
WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump has expressed his opinion on the recent sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia, using the occasion to criticize how President Joe Biden has been handling Americans held captive overseas.
“Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was just sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian Court," Trump wrote in his Truth Social post on Saturday, July 20.
"Biden will NEVER GET HIM OUT unless he pays a ‘king’s ransom,’” he added.
Donald Trump says it will be his 'great honor' to get Evan Gershkovich released
In his Truth Social post, Donald Trump further noted that he will get Evan Gershkovich released when he gets reelected.
“I will get him out FOR NO COMPENSATION immediately following our victory on November 5th, and it will be my great honor to do so,” the former president wrote.
"Vote for TRUMP, and The Wall Street Journal should STOP BEING STUPID!!!" he concluded the post.
Donald Trump's skepticism of Joe Biden's negotiations
Earlier this year, Donald Trump had indicated skepticism regarding the possibility of Evan Gershkovich's release before the November election, citing what he believes to be President Joe Biden's poor handling of relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The 78-year-old politician argued that his own relationship with Putin was better and could facilitate the reporter's release.
In a closed-door trial on Friday, July 19, in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg, Gershkovich was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
The reporter pleaded not guilty to espionage charges, according to The Hill.
Wall Street Journal Publisher Almar Latour and Emma Tucker, the editor-in-chief, swiftly condemned his sentencing.
Officials in the United States, press freedom groups and the Journal have all argued that the charges against Gershkovich are fabricated.
In March 2023, Gershkovich was taken into custody alleging that he collected state secrets on the Russian military on behalf of the US government — becoming the first American journalist to be detained in Russia since the Cold War.
Joe Biden's response to Evan Gershkovich's sentencing
Following Evan Gershkovich's sentencing on Friday, Joe Biden released a statement, affirming that the White House is “pushing hard for Evan’s release and will continue to do so.”
The president has consistently condemned Trump for his close ties to Russia, particularly in light of Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.
The 81-year-old commander-in-chief's reelection campaign has portrayed Trump as a "lap dog" for Putin.
It remains unclear how the sentencing of Gershkovich will affect ongoing negotiations between Russia and the US for a possible prisoner swap.
Since December 2018, former US Marine Paule Whelan has been detained in Russia.
Biden emphasized that he has “no higher priority” than the prison release and return of Gershkovich, Whelan, and all Americans “wrongfully detained” overseas.
