Key Takeaways:
- Trump Sees Leverage With Putin: A hot mic caught President Trump telling French President Emmanuel Macron that Putin “wants to make a deal for me,” signaling Trump’s confidence in personal diplomacy to bring Moscow to the table.
- Europe Watches Closely: Macron welcomed Trump’s confidence, calling it “great news,” while seven European leaders met at the White House to reinforce Ukraine’s position in ongoing talks.
- Trilateral Talks Ahead: Trump confirmed plans for a three-way meeting with Putin and Zelensky, framing it as a “very good, early step” toward ending a war that has dragged on for nearly four years.
President Donald Trump once again proved that he’s not afraid to say out loud what the rest of the political class only whispers. On Monday, caught on a hot mic before his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal for me.”
“I think he wants to make a deal,” Trump said, before doubling down: “I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.”
The comment, heard in the East Room of the White House, immediately sent media outlets into overdrive. But the reality is simple: world leaders know Trump gets results. Unlike the endless dithering of global bureaucrats, Trump’s brand of deal-making puts America first while pushing adversaries toward the table.
Trump didn’t stop there. He told Macron he would set up a “trilat”—a trilateral meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Later, on Truth Social, he confirmed the plan: “After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years.”
Even Macron, who hasn’t always been Trump’s biggest fan, praised the move on NBC: “I think this is great news, and indeed, your president is very confident about this capacity to get this deal done with President Putin, and it’s great.”
Trump also used his meeting with Zelensky to turn up the heat on Putin, showing a united front with Ukraine and Europe. This was a stark contrast to Zelensky’s rocky visit in February, which turned into a shouting match.
Seven European leaders joined Monday’s talks, underscoring just how central Trump has become in brokering a possible end to the war. While critics wring their hands, Trump is doing what he does best—cutting through the noise, forcing the players to the table, and reminding the world that American leadership under his watch is strong, confident, and unapologetically results-driven.