President Donald Trump was caught in a hot mic during his meeting with European leaders claiming that he believes Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin wants to "make a deal" for him. "As crazy as it sounds," Trump added, before calling on his counterparts to sit down and welcome press.
Trump on a hot mic on Putin: "I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand? As crazy as it sounds." pic.twitter.com/lshkxtJ3Qm
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2025
Trump began his remarks with European leaders claiming they have had a "very successful day thus far," and that his previous meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "covered a lot of territory."
The meeting between the two leaders appears to have been much more amicable than the one they had in February, which ended abruptly after a public clash in the Oval Office. NBC News reported that Zelensky was coached by European allies on how to handle Trump. He did thank him for weapons sent to the country and diplomatic efforts, and gave a letter from his wife for Melania Trump. He also wore a suit jacket after he was criticized for not doing it last time, favoring his typical wartime outfit.
Trump has anticipated he will call Putin after his meeting with European leaders. In the meantime, Russia carried out a widespread attack on Ukraine, including Kyiv. A civilian building was hit by six drones, killing seven people and injuring more.
Trump said he will seek to hold a trilateral meeting with Zelensky and Putin after the meeting with European leaders.
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