President Donald Trump's recent about-face in his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised many people in the White House, except for one.
Trump hinted on Monday that first lady Melania Trump may have helped change his mind on Putin, according to The Daily Beast. That shift could have major consequences regarding the war in Ukraine and global trade policy.
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump said Putin's "sweet-talking" had "fooled a lot of people" regarding Russia's willingness to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump also said talking with Melania about his negotiations with Putin helped him see the Russian leader in a new light.
“We thought we had a deal numerous times,” Trump said during the meeting in the Oval Office. “I get home, I’d say, ‘First Lady, I had the most wonderful talk with Vladimir. I think we’re finished.’ And then I’d turn on the television, or she’ll say to me one time, ‘Well, that’s strange because they just bombed a nursing home.’”
Trump's comments underscore a pivotal moment in the war in Ukraine. Since taking office, Trump has seemingly flip-flopped between supporting Russia and Ukraine multiple times. For instance, Trump has blamed Ukraine and the Biden administration for starting the war. He also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House and scolded him about being a "salesman."
Trump's new relationship with Putin could be a good thing for Ukrainians as well. On Monday, Trump announced the United States will send a new weapons package to Ukraine through its NATO allies. He also said he will impose new sanctions on Russia, including 100% tariffs, if the war in Ukraine is not over within the next 50 days.
You can watch the entire meeting here.
