“I Told Putin, Don’t do it and I Told Him What I’d do if he Did. He said, No way. I Said Way” -Trump

According to a report by Mediaite, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, former President Donald Trump recounted a striking conversation he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview with billionaire Elon Musk on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

This interview, which took place on Monday evening, was notable not only for its content but also for the technical issues that plagued its start, leading to a delayed broadcast that frustrated many viewers.

Despite these challenges, Trump’s remarks about his interactions with Putin have drawn significant attention, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine and Russia.

During the interview, Trump emphasized the seriousness of his discussions with Putin, particularly regarding Ukraine, which he described as “the apple of his eye.”

He recounted a moment in their conversation where he firmly warned Putin against any aggressive actions.

“I said to Vladimir Putin, ‘Don’t do it. You can’t do it, Vladimir. You do it, it’s gonna be a bad day.

You cannot do it,’” Trump stated.

He further recalled the exchange, saying, “He said, ‘No way,’ and I said, ‘Way,’ and you know, it’s the last time we ever had the conversation.”

This anecdote serves to illustrate Trump’s self-portrayal as a strong leader who confronted Putin directly, a narrative he has often used to counter allegations of being overly friendly with Russia.

In the same breath, Trump pushed back against claims that he had a close relationship with Putin, asserting, “They say I loved Russia, I was a friend of Putin, and I loved Russia.

No.” He highlighted his actions during his presidency, including shutting down the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which he referred to as “the biggest pipeline.”

Trump’s remarks are part of a broader strategy to reshape his image as a tough adversary to Russian aggression, especially as he campaigns for the presidency again in 2024.

The interview, however, was marred by technical difficulties. Viewers experienced delays, with many unable to join the live stream until after it had started.

Elon Musk attributed these issues to a “massive DDOS attack” against X, but sources within the company reportedly dismissed this claim, suggesting that there was a “99 percent” chance Musk was not telling the truth about the nature of the problems.

This incident has drawn criticism, particularly from political opponents, who seized on the technical glitches to mock both Musk and Trump.

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign characterized the event as a display of “self-obsessed rich guys” who could not manage a simple livestream, further illustrating the political stakes surrounding the interview.

The fallout from the interview and its technical issues has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media and traditional news outlets.

Critics have pointed out that the chaotic nature of the broadcast reflects poorly on both Musk and Trump, raising questions about their capabilities to handle significant public engagements.

The Harris campaign, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism, using the opportunity to highlight what it sees as the inadequacies of Trump’s leadership style and his reliance on platforms like X to communicate with the public.

As the political terrain continues to evolve in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, Trump’s remarks about Putin and the subsequent fallout from the interview highlight the complexities of international relations and domestic political narratives.

The conversation with Putin, as recounted by Trump, not only serves to bolster his image as a decisive leader but also reflects the ongoing challenges that the United States faces in its dealings with Russia.

The implications of such discussions are significant, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which remains a focal point of international concern.

In summary, Trump’s interview with Musk has reignited discussions about his past interactions with Putin and his approach to foreign policy.

While he seeks to position himself as a strong leader who stands up to Russian aggression, the technical difficulties of the broadcast and the ensuing criticism highlight the precarious nature of his current political strategy.

As the 2024 election approaches, how Trump navigates these challenges will be crucial in shaping both his campaign and the broader political discourse in the United States.