Trump Blasts Media's Coverage Of Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

President Trump criticized the media’s portrayal of his efforts to negotiate peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday. Trump described the press’s coverage as marked by “great dishonesty” and questioned whether the media even desired a peace deal.

During the press conference, Trump responded to a question regarding the media’s critical stance on his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He noted that despite any potential success in securing a peace agreement, the media would likely frame it negatively. “Even if I secured an unrealistic settlement in which Ukraine acquired ‘Moscow, St. Petersburg, and thousands of miles around them, [the media] would say I made a bad deal,’” he stated.

Trump characterized the media’s hostile coverage as an “amazing phenomena,” expressing frustration over their portrayal of his diplomatic efforts. He remarked, “The level of hatred and animosity is incredible. … In solving all of these wars, they don’t even write about it. You know, I solved major wars. I solved wars that have been going on for [30-plus years].”

The president reflected on his experience with media coverage, stating that he had previously received favorable publicity before his 2016 presidential campaign. “Now I get the worst publicity anyone’s ever gotten in office, but I won in a landslide, so the people understand. They’re the only ones that count, ultimately,” he said.

Trump specifically addressed the media’s framing of his recent summit with Putin in Alaska, where he claimed progress was made toward a peace agreement. He criticized ABC News host Martha Raddatz for her portrayal of the summit as a victory for Putin, stating, “It was a striking scene. Russia’s Vladimir Putin, responsible for invading Ukraine and the deaths of tens of thousands of Ukrainians, given a red carpet arrival, a warm handshake and a ride in the presidential limousine to a closed door three-hour meeting with the whole world watching and waiting.”

He countered that Putin’s decision to meet him was a significant diplomatic gesture, contrary to the media’s narrative. Trump asserted, “There’s just a great dishonesty of the press, and I think that’s why it’s lost its credibility. Its credibility is at an all-time low.”

The president’s comments come amid ongoing tensions in the region and highlight the contentious relationship between his administration and the media regarding foreign policy coverage. As Trump continues to push for a resolution to the conflict, he remains critical of how his efforts are reported.

Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood.