Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said President Donald Trump turned in a masterclass during Friday’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two presidents met in Alaska on Friday to discuss a potential end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began when Putin ordered the invasion in February 2022. After Trump literally had a red carpet rolled out for Putin, they discussed the conflict for nearly three hours. Afterward, Trump said, “We didn’t get there.” Nonetheless, he said he remained optimistic.
On Monday, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House ahead of a possible meeting with Putin and Zelensky.
Bessent joined Tuesday’s edition of The Ingraham Angle on Fox News, where the host asked about the prospect of a trilateral meeting.
“Are you hopeful that this meeting will take place, Putin, Zelensky, and perhaps, President Trump?” Laura Ingraham asked.
“Well, Laura, it goes all the way back to Friday in Alaska,” Bessent replied. “President Trump had a great meeting with President Putin. My take was, he had President Putin on his heels for most of the event after the flyover. And then yesterday, a fantastic meeting with Zelensky, then with the Europeans. And back in the Oval, he had a call with President Putin. And I’m very optimistic they’ll be able to have a bilateral meeting.”
Trump’s meeting with Zelensky
“You’re not in a good position!” Trump told Zelensky. “You don’t have the cards right now! With us, you start having cards.”
Watch above via Fox News.