Trump didn’t want this getting out there. But now millions are about to hear what he said.
As President Trump was caught on a hot mic having a wild discussion with this foreign leader.
A hot mic moment at the White House has offered a rare peek into President Donald Trump’s mindset as he navigates delicate talks to end Russia’s nearly four-year war in Ukraine.
As he prepared for a private meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders, Trump shared a striking observation with French President Emmanuel Macron, hinting at a personal dynamic with Russian President Vladimir Putin that could change the conflict’s trajectory.
A Candid Whisper
In the White House’s East Room, Trump leaned toward Macron and murmured, “I think he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.”
The off-the-cuff remark, caught by a live microphone, suggested Trump believes Putin is eager to negotiate directly with him. This glimpse into Trump’s perspective followed his recent summit with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, where the two leaders discussed paths to peace.
A NATO Breakthrough
The Anchorage meeting produced a significant development, according to Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. They revealed that Putin agreed to allow U.S. and NATO forces to defend Ukraine if Russia violates any future peace deal.
“We sort of were able to … get an agreement that the, that the United States could offer [NATO] Article 5-like protection, which is the first time we had ever heard … the Russians agree to that,” Witkoff said to CNN’s State of the Union host Jake Tapper.
This commitment, resembling NATO’s mutual defense pact, marks a major step toward securing Ukraine’s future. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte hailed Trump’s role, calling it a “big step” for collective security.
“The fact that you have said, ‘I’m willing to participate in security guarantees’ is a big step — is really a breakthrough, and it makes all the difference,” Rutte said. “Thank you for that.” The agreement signals a unified front among Western allies, amplifying hopes for stability.
Russia’s Hesitation
News of the deal prompted a response from Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry told state-run Ria Novosti, “We reaffirm our repeatedly stated position on our categorical rejection of any scenarios that envisage the appearance in Ukraine of a military contingent with the participation of NATO countries.”
Pushing for Peace
Undeterred, Trump is moving forward. In a Truth Social post, he shared that he called Putin after the White House talks to arrange a meeting between Russia and Ukraine, with a follow-up trilateral discussion involving the U.S.
“Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years,” Trump wrote. “…Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.”
These efforts, while fragile, have led to cautious optimism. Trump’s diplomacy, paired with NATO’s commitment, could pave the way for meaningful negotiations.
As the world watches, this moment may prove pivotal in easing a conflict that has lasted far too long.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column.
