Hot mic catches Trump saying Putin ‘wants to make a deal for me’ before meeting with European leaders

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump appeared to privately boast that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal” for him, remarks caught on a hot mic moments before a meeting with European leaders at the White House on Monday, August 18.

The off-hand comment, recorded just days after Trump’s Alaska summit with Putin, has raised questions about whether the POTUS was referring to negotiations over the war in Ukraine.

Trump hints at possible Putin deal in hot mic moment

“I think he wants to make a deal for me,” Donald Trump could be heard telling French President Emmanuel Macron before the meeting began. “I don’t understand that, as crazy as it sounds.” He then called on attendees to sit down, adding, “I think we’ll let the press come in for a minute.”

Trump did not mention Putin by name in the remark, but the context of peace talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly suggests it.

The exchange, picked up as reporters entered the East Room, quickly went viral. Trump had just met with Zelensky in the Oval Office and was heading into broader talks with European leaders when the comment was recorded.

Trump’s remark about possible deal with Putin splits internet

Trump’s hot-mic remark about a possible “deal” with Putin, sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.

One wrote, “Trump wouldn't expect them to make a deal with (not for) him. So clearly he isn't expecting any favors from Putin despite the left-wing narrative that they are in cahoots.”

A persons boasted, “The United States president holds influence over Russia,” while someone else added, "So, what's the holdup? Didn't @realDonaldTrump tell us that if he were president, the war would be over in a day?”

“President Trump holds all the cards. That’s why,” a Trump supporter claimed. 

“It sounds crazy because it is crazy. Putin has waged war his entire reign. He sees himself as the tsar chosen to restore Russia's empire. Nothing will ever shake that belief. Putin cannot be negotiated with. He must be defeated,” a tweet read. 

“Let’s get it done so Hillary can nominate Trump for a peace prize,” one quipped.

Trump says arrangements are underway for a Putin-Zelensky meeting

On Truth Social, Donald Trump addressed the meeting, writing, “I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office.”

“During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine,” the 79-year-old added. 

Trump further mentioned that he called Putin to arrange a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," the MAGA leader wrote. 

"Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he concluded. 

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.