WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump said Friday that he was âbeing a little bit sarcasticâ when he repeatedly claimed as a candidate that he would have the Russia-Ukraine war solved within 24 hours â and even before he even took office.
Trump was asked about the vow he repeatedly made on the campaign trail during an interview for the âFull Measureâ television program as his administration is still trying to broker a solution 54 days into his second term.
âWell, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that,” Trump said in a clip released ahead of the episode airing Sunday. âWhat I really mean is Iâd like to get it settled and, Iâll, I think, I think Iâll be successful.â
It was a rare admission from Trump, who has a long record of making exaggerated claims.
Trump said at a CNN town hall in May 2023, âTheyâre dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And Iâll have that done â Iâll have that done in 24 hours.â
âThat is a war thatâs dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president,â Trump said during his September debate with then-Vice President Kamala Harris. âIf I win, when Iâm president-elect, and what Iâll do is Iâll speak to one, Iâll speak to the other. Iâll get them together.â
The Republican repeated the claim frequently on the campaign trail.
His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Moscow this week for talks on a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted.
In the interview, Trump was also asked what the plan would be if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire to the war he started three years ago.
âBad news for this world because so many people are dying,â Trump said.
But I think, I think he’s going to agree. I really do. I think I know him pretty well and I think he’s going to agree.”
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