Donald Trump found himself in an unexpectedly awkward moment during a recent speech in the White House Rose Garden, admitting that Russian President Vladimir Putin seemed to show more admiration for Melania Trump than for him. The comment, equal parts bizarre and cringeworthy, followed what was reportedly a tense two-and-a-half-hour phone call between the two leaders.
According to the Irish Star, Trump had been trying to make headway on one of his longstanding promises—negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. But instead of diplomatic progress, what stood out most was Putin’s pointed praise of the First Lady. “Putin just said they respect your wife a lot. I said, ‘What about me?’ They like Melania better. That wasn’t good,” Trump told reporters with a strained smile. Melania, standing nearby, looked like she was doing everything she could not to burst out laughing.
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The moment may have been light-hearted on the surface, but it didn’t exactly paint the picture of a confident statesman holding court with one of the world’s most notorious leaders. Trump, who’s spent years talking up his supposed rapport with Putin, seemed a bit rattled by the remark—and Melania’s amused reaction only added to the slightly surreal atmosphere.
All of this came just before a grim reality check. Despite Trump’s claims that he’d used the call to urge restraint, the Kremlin launched its most intense drone assault since the war in Ukraine began three years ago. Russian forces reportedly unleashed 273 drones in a sweeping attack across multiple regions. Ukraine’s air force said they managed to shoot down 88 of them, and 128 veered off target, but the assault still caused serious damage and led to at least one civilian death.
Online, reactions to Trump’s recounting of the call came in thick and fast. “Lol, they like Melania better! Trump has always got jokes,” one user posted, while others weren’t buying it. “Donald, when Putin said ‘they respect your wife a lot,’ that was sarcasm,” someone pointed out. Another added, “Probably because she is smarter and more rational, so that’s a good thing.”
The criticisms didn’t stop there. Many felt that while Trump was busy sharing awkward anecdotes, nothing of real value was achieved. “Still nothing accomplished. Putin keeps on pushing and gets stronger,” one frustrated commenter said. “Every week it’s ‘we’re making progress,’ yet Russia keeps attacking. It’s all just theatre,” another added.
Some took direct aim at Trump’s mental state, calling the moment “nonsensical” and even suggesting he “needs to be sent to the dementia locked ward.” Whether people laughed or cringed, one thing was clear—this was not the presidential moment Trump had hoped for.
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