Trump mocked as he claims Xi Jinping and Putin are plotting damage while he’s been ‘sitting in an icebox’

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump argued Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were plotting to "damage" while he was stuck inside "an icebox," referring to the hush money trial courtroom, reported The Hill.

Speaking to reporters after day 18 of the historic criminal trial on Thursday, May 16, the soon-to-be official GOP presidential nominee brought up Putin's visit to China.

The Russian president landed in Beijing on May 16, marking his first official visit after starting the new six-year term last week. Both are anticipated to engage in talks regarding international issues and celebrate the relationship between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Trump was in the Manhattan courtroom hearing the testimony of his former fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen, a star witness in the hush money trial.

Trump's stance on Xi Jinping-Vladimir Putin meeting

"President Xi of China, I know well, President Putin of Russia, know him well, they're right now together working on plans where they … get together and do damage, because that's ultimately what they're thinking about doing, damage," Trump said outside the Manhattan courthouse.

The Russian president's Beijing visit came at a time when his forces were engaged in a major offensive in Ukraine, forcing thousands of civilians to flee from the northeastern region. Xi, however, has a supportive stance toward the Russian invasion of Ukraine due to China's attempts to take control of Taiwan.

The GOP White House nominee, who often praised authoritarian leaders like Putin and Xi, compared his current situation to the Chinese president's interest in taking control of Taiwan.

Trump, however, was careful about his words because of the gag order against him, but complained about the cold temperature inside the courtroom, which, according to him, was done "on purpose".

"He fully expects to take Taiwan. He made that statement today. That's a big statement," Trump said about his once-Chinese counterpart. "And I'm sitting here in an icebox."

"I'm sitting here, listening to a case that even people from CNN and MSDNC [Trump's nickname for MSNBC] say should never have been brought. I've been sitting here for almost four weeks, and we still have a long way to go,"  the 45th president complained.

Trump faces 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to hide the $130 000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final days of his 2016 campaign to prevent her from publicizing their alleged sexual encounter.

The prosecution argued that Trump's move to suppress negative stories about him should be considered an attempt to influence the 2016 election.

Internet slams Trump for his remarks on Xi-Putin meeting

Social media users lashed out at Trump's remarks about the Xi-Putin meeting and said the former president had no power to engage in foreign policy discussions.

One user wrote, "For God’s sake, make it stop. I’m so sick and tired of his tiresome theatrics and enraged he’s creating self-serving chaos within our legal system."

"Listening to this…. ….its 50 seconds of my life I can’t get back. Everything he said was either a lie or a false narrative plant. Also, what is he going to do? He isn’t even the president, acting like he has some sort of power," another remarked.

A third user added, "He says this as if he’s currently president and the ice box is preventing him from working on foreign policy? As if he could actually do something about Putin and Xi’s “plans” if he weren’t on trial Does he hear himself?"

"He’s not the president. Him being in the courtroom, brought by his own actions, doesn’t change that fact," a fourth response read.

Another person wrote, "Freaking Cry Baby! You were indicted! Russia and China are laughing! Your begging CEO’s of major oil companies at Mar a Lago and begging for a Billion dollars. You fed them hamburger steak!"

"He thinks he’s still president. What could he do if he weren’t in court? Nothing, because he’s nothing," someone else chimed in.

An individual said, "Donny, Donny, Donny, we’ve been through this a thousand times. YOU’RE NOT PRESIDENT ANY MORE. And it is your fault that they have so much influence."

Another one argued, "As long as Trump isn’t anywhere near the White House, I don’t care where he is! Stay out of international affairs!!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.