‘What a dumb question’: Trump snaps at reporter during high-stakes Ukraine meeting, but the question seemed perfectly reasonable

Donald Trump lashed out at a reporter during Sunday’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling their question “dumb.” The US President met with Ukraine’s leader on December 28 to work on peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. For months, both countries have refused to agree on terms for a lasting peace deal, with Trump trying hard to help reach an agreement.

Zelenskyy arrived at Mar-a-Lago just hours after Russia attacked Kyiv. During a press session, a reporter asked about security guarantees the US might offer Ukraine as part of a peace deal. Trump didn’t like the question at all.

“What a dumb question,” Trump said, according to Unilad. “Nobody even knows what the security agreement is going to state.” He added that there would be a strong security agreement with European nations playing a big role.

Trump’s harsh response seems odd given his own peace plan mentions security

Many people on social media were confused about why Trump got so upset. The question seemed relevant, especially since Trump’s own peace proposal had talked about security guarantees before. The reporter’s question appeared perfectly reasonable for the situation.

Despite Trump’s sharp response, the meeting seemed to go well overall. Zelenskyy had posted on X earlier, saying he felt a lot could be decided before the New Year begins. However, in a separate social media post, he warned that any solution depends on countries that help Ukraine and put pressure on Russia. 

Trump has been active on foreign policy matters recently, including when he ordered military strikes against ISIS in Nigeria earlier this month.

After the meeting, Trump shared on Truth Social that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the talks. This was their first conversation since October, and both leaders called it productive.

Peace talks have been stuck for weeks now. Russia has refused to compromise on most demands, with Putin wanting control of large parts of eastern Ukraine. Ukraine and its European allies won’t accept this and are trying to find a better solution.

Before meeting Trump, Zelenskyy talked with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the negotiations. He also updated Starmer on the fighting and recent Russian attacks. 

European leaders insist any peace deal must protect Ukraine’s security and not reward Russia for starting the nearly four-year war. The President has faced criticism for dismissing the Epstein investigation as a political distraction while boasting about his election victory.