In a striking revelation, audio tapes from private fundraisers last year reveal former President Donald Trump claimed he threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin with a bombing of Moscow to deter an invasion of Ukraine. According to audio obtained by CNN, Trump told donors, “With Putin I said, ‘If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the sh*t out of Moscow. I’m telling you I have no choice.’” He added that Putin responded skeptically, yet believed him “10%.”
The tapes, which have not been publicly aired until now, also capture Trump making similar threats to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan. Trump reportedly told Xi that the U.S. would bomb Beijing if China invaded Taiwan, claiming, “He thought I was crazy,” but noted “we never had a problem.” These remarks were recorded during fundraisers in New York and Florida, and are detailed in a new book, “2024,” by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf.
Trump’s Foreign Policy and Campaign Strategy
The audio tapes provide a glimpse into Trump’s aggressive foreign policy rhetoric behind closed doors, aimed at appealing to wealthy donors. Trump has often boasted about his ability to deter international conflicts, asserting that his presidency would have prevented the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of these conflicts.
During one particular fundraiser, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Putin’s resistance to a peace deal, stating, “I’m not happy with Putin. I’m very unhappy with them.” The former president’s comments reflect his continued belief in a hardline approach to international diplomacy.
Domestic Policies and Controversial Remarks
Beyond foreign policy, the tapes reveal Trump’s domestic agenda, including a controversial stance on student protests. At one event, he proposed deporting student protesters, specifically targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses. “One thing I’d do is any student that protests, I would throw them out of the country,” Trump declared, suggesting that such measures would quell dissent.
His remarks drew concern from donors about the future leadership of the country, to which Trump responded by urging them to support his campaign financially. “If you get me elected, we will set that movement back 25 to 30 years,” he promised.
Fundraising Tactics and Political Strategy
Trump’s fundraising efforts also came under the spotlight in the tapes. He recounted pressuring wealthy allies to contribute significant sums to his campaign, leveraging his influence to secure larger donations. In one instance, he convinced a donor to increase a $1 million pledge to $25 million, boasting, “It’s crazy.”
Trump also highlighted the financial disadvantage Republicans face, claiming, “The welfare people will always vote for Democrats.” He urged his Jewish supporters to encourage voting for the Republican party, emphasizing the need for financial backing to counter Democratic advantages in union and civil service support.
Implications and Forward-Looking Analysis
The release of these tapes provides a rare insight into Trump’s strategic thinking and his approach to both foreign and domestic policy. His statements underscore a willingness to employ aggressive rhetoric and controversial policies to galvanize support among his base and financial backers.
As Trump positions himself for a potential second term, these revelations could influence both his supporters and detractors. The tapes illustrate his reliance on bold, sometimes incendiary claims to rally donor support and shape his political narrative.
Looking ahead, these disclosures may impact Trump’s campaign dynamics, potentially swaying public opinion and affecting his standing within the Republican party. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Trump’s rhetoric and strategies will likely remain a focal point of analysis and debate.
