President Donald Trump credited First Lady Melania Trump with changing his outlook on Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump revealed that Melania had been instrumental in helping him recognize that Putin was not honoring commitments to pursue peace. According to a Fox News report, she pointed out discrepancies between Putin’s assurances and continued Russian missile strikes.
Trump shared how after seemingly cordial phone calls with Putin about ending the conflict, Melania would note that Russian attacks resumed almost immediately. “I’d tell her we had a wonderful conversation,” Trump said, “and she’d reply, ‘Really? Because another city was just bombed.’”
Once known for praising Putin — famously calling him a “genius” — Trump now says he views the Russian leader more skeptically, in large part due to Melania’s influence. “She made me think twice about what he says versus what he does,” he told Rutte.
Just last week, Trump openly criticized Putin, blaming him for the deaths of many civilians and announcing plans to boost military support for Ukraine.
On Monday, Trump confirmed new arms deals with NATO allies and warned Moscow that it must reach a peace agreement within 50 days or face 100% tariffs.
