Trump's Quick Change: From Believing Putin to Doubting His Words

Trump, at 79, found himself in a tricky spot when questioned about his sudden shift in belief regarding a reported attack on Putin's home.

The Initial Reaction

• Putin's Call: Putin called Trump to complain about a strike near his luxurious dacha.
• Trump's First Response: Quick to side with Putin, expressing anger towards Ukraine.
• Later Change: Trump altered his stance, stating he didn't believe the strike happened.

The Reporter's Challenge

Libbey Dean questioned Trump on Air Force One about his initial belief in Putin's claim.

• Trump's Explanation:
• Initially had no other information.
• Took Putin's word for it.
• Later findings suggested otherwise.

The Broader Context

• Peace Talks: The alleged strike occurred during potential progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
• European Criticism: Officials criticized Putin for attempting to derail these talks.
• Trump's Claims: He stated an end to the war is closer than ever, despite Putin's unreasonable demands.

The Deadline Dilemma

• Question on Air Force One: Trump was asked about setting a deadline for a peace deal.
• Trump's Response:
• Avoided giving a specific timeframe.
• Previously claimed he could end the war quickly if he were president.
• Spoke about his role in ending a conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, giving himself a quarter point for that achievement.

The Bigger Picture

• Decision-Making Process: Raises questions about Trump's approach to information, especially from leaders like Putin.
• Swayed by Initial Claims: A reminder that even those in power can be influenced by initial claims and later change their minds as more information comes to light.