Trump offers rare praise for Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping: ‘Both are tough and smart’

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In his exclusive interview with CBS News’ '60 Minutes,' President Donald Trump took a rare opportunity to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

He described both as “tough” and “smart” leaders who shouldn't be underestimated. Trump’s remarks came when he was asked which of the two was tougher to deal with.

Trump praises Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping as ‘tough’ and ‘smart’ leaders

Drawing no distinction, the president said, “Both tough. Both smart. They're both very strong leaders. These are people not to be toyed with. These are people you have to take very seriously."

He continued, "They're not walking in saying, Oh, isn't it a beautiful day? Look how beautiful. The sun is shining, it's so nice. These are serious people. These are people that are tough, smart leaders."

The remarks came as a surprise at a time when the United States is engaged in a tariff war with both nations.

Trump says Ukraine war began under Joe Biden

Responding to a question about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Donald Trump blamed former President Joe Biden, claiming it was "a war that would've never happened" under his administration.

"I inherited a country where Putin thinks he's winning. That was a war that would've never happened if I was president. He (Putin) even said that. That was a war that would've never happened. Joe Biden was the president," he said.

Asserting that his tenure saw no such escalation, Trump added, "For four years, it didn't happen. There was never even a doubt."

He also highlighted the military build up during his presidency, saying, "I rebuilt our military during my first term. We make the best weapons in the world. They used a lot of those weapons in that war." 

Trump praises Xi Jinping and defends his trade war strategy with China

When asked about his past relationship with Xi Jinping, President Donald Trump spoke with both respect and caution. "We get along great, and we always really have. He is a powerful man, a strong man, and a very powerful leader," he said.

However, he noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had strained their relationship but added that it was still “as good as it gets” for both sides. "Having that is important because of the power of the two countries," he said.

Discussing the trade war, Trump defended his approach as strategic and temporary. "It was a hurt because I was taking in a lot of money from China. We were doing very well against China. And all of a sudden, they said, we have to fight back. Their power is rare earth, something they have been accumulating for 25-30 years," Trump said.

Last week, Trump announced plans to cut tariffs on Chinese goods by 10 percent, from 57 to 47 percent, describing it as a "gesture of good faith" following what he called a "very constructive" dialogue with Xi Jinping during their meeting in South Korea.