Trump Calls Putin Useless Bullshitter Amid Sanctions Bill Consideration

During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “useless bullshitter.” This remark came as Trump indicated he is seriously considering backing a sanctions bill aimed at Russia’s energy sector. The bill, which has bipartisan support in Congress, has been awaiting Trump’s approval to proceed. The legislation proposes imposing high tariffs on countries importing Russian energy and targeting foreign companies assisting Russia in oil and gas production.

Trump’s stance on the sanctions bill has been inconsistent. Previously, he described the bill as “very harsh” and expressed doubts about its effectiveness in deterring Putin. However, during the recent Cabinet meeting, Trump left the door open for supporting the bill, suggesting a potential shift in his position. An administration official, speaking anonymously, indicated that this change in tone might be a strategy to increase Trump’s leverage over Putin, rather than a confirmation of his intent to sign the bill.

The deterioration in Trump’s relationship with Putin has been evident in recent months. Initially, Trump believed Putin would help end the war in Ukraine swiftly. However, Putin’s refusal to attend a peace summit in Istanbul and his escalation of attacks on Ukrainian cities have strained their relationship. Trump’s frustration with Putin’s actions was evident in his public statements, including a social media post where he described Putin as having “gone absolutely CRAZY.”

At the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump’s demeanor towards European allies was notably friendlier, and he held a lengthy one-on-one meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This shift in Trump’s approach was widely noticed and marked a departure from his previous stance.

Trump’s recent phone conversation with Putin, which lasted over an hour, did not go well. During the Cabinet meeting, Trump expressed his annoyance with the “bullshit” thrown at the U.S. by Putin. This comment came just a day after Trump announced plans to resume military shipments to Ukraine, which had been paused due to concerns about U.S. weapons stockpiles. The delay in aid had drawn criticism, especially with Russia continuing its strikes and Zelenskyy demanding more support.

The tension between Trump and Putin appears to be at an irreversible point. While the sanctions bill remains unsigned, Trump’s change in tone has put new pressure on Congress to take action. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the uncertainty surrounding aid have added to the complexity of the situation. For the first time, Trump’s statements suggest a willingness to take a stronger stance against Putin, indicating a potential shift in U.S. policy towards Russia.