Here’s what happened.
President Donald Trump has strongly denied reports from the European media that suggested he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May. During a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump firmly rejected these claims, telling reporters, “No, I’m not,” according to The Washington Times.
The rumors began circulating on Friday when Le Point, a French newspaper, published a report stating that Trump was “most likely” planning a trip to Moscow on May 9, a significant day in Russia known as Victory Day. The report speculated that Trump and Putin might meet to “celebrate a shared victory,” presumably tied to the ongoing peace efforts aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
However, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin would be open to hosting Trump in Moscow for the occasion, he stopped short of confirming any official plans for the meeting. This adds to the uncertainty surrounding the potential summit, with no official confirmation from either side.
For many conservative Americans, the idea of Trump and Putin meeting again evokes memories of the former president’s unorthodox foreign policy, which was often criticized by the left but admired by some for its focus on American interests. Trump’s direct approach to foreign relations stood in stark contrast to the traditional diplomatic norms, favoring strategic talks with world leaders like Putin, even if it raised eyebrows in the media.
As the situation continues to develop, Trump’s rejection of the reports could signal a more cautious approach to foreign engagements. It remains to be seen if this speculation will lead to any actual diplomatic discussions between the two leaders or if it will remain a topic for media speculation in the coming months.