Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin certainly has us scratching our heads, one minute they’re hot then they’re cold. Case in point, a recent press conference in which the U.S. leader expresses his discontent with his Russian counterpart over the bombing of a U.S. factory in Ukraine while simultaneously showering him in praise and bragging about sending him a signed photograph.
Speaking to reporters in the White House, Trump showed off a cute photo of him and his bestie stood side-by-side. “I thought it was a nice picture of him, okay of me, but nice of him,” the president joked with those in the room. In the full clip the president also mentions the possibility of Putin coming to the world cup, “depending on what happens,” he then informs reporters that he will sign the photo and send it to the Russian President.
Then the warm Putin reverie Trump was seemingly lost in is shattered by reality as a reporter asks what the U.S. leader thinks about the alleged war criminal bombing a U.S.-owned factory during an attack on Ukraine.
Donald Trump is not happy
Trump was quick to shift and tell everybody how unhappy he is with Putin’s actions, “I’m not happy about it,” he responds, before making a more general statement about Russian action in Ukraine. Trump then took the opportunity to commend himself for settling other conflicts in the past before admitting that the Russia-Ukraine conflict was proving to be a tough nut to crack.
Of course, actions speak louder than words. Trump may talk the talk, but he refuses to walk the walk. Saying he’s not happy about Putin’s actions is all very well, but standing up to the Russian leader would be a lot better. Instead Trump is happy to roll out the red carpet for him in an embarrassing display during Putin’s visit to Alaska.
While Putin continues the bloodshed in Ukraine, Trump is concerning himself with niceties, like sending signed photographs and arranging an invitation for his pal to the world cup. It’s hypocrisy at the highest level and it’s plain to see. On X people expressed their disgust with Trump’s decision to closely associate himself with Putin.
One person summed up the situation pretty well, writing, “Sooo… Putin bombs an American factory in Ukraine & Trump shows everyone a picture of him and his buddy Putin.” Meanwhile, another accused him of hijacking his own FIFA conference “to brag about getting a photo from Vladimir Putin that he plans to sign and send back.”
Donald Trump may say that he’s angry with Putin, but his actions don’t really back that statement up. The U.S. president has always swayed towards Putin’s side and this is proof. Signing and sending a photograph to someone is not an appropriate response to them prolonging an already bloody and senseless war.
Published: Aug 25, 2025 08:12 am