Trump Defends Envoy Over Russia Call Leaked by Media

Another day, another overblown “scandal” from the media trying to sabotage peace efforts this time targeting President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, over a leaked phone call with a Russian official. And as usual, Trump isn’t taking the bait.

The transcript of Witkoff’s October 14 phone call with Yuri Ushakov, one of Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aides, was leaked this week and quickly pounced on by the usual suspects in Washington. Witkoff had advised Ushakov on how to approach Trump with a peace proposal between Russia and Ukraine, triggering knee-jerk outrage from establishment figures desperate to keep the war going and Trump out of office.

But Trump, speaking from Air Force One Tuesday night, dismissed the backlash as pure political theater:

“That’s a standard thing... he’s gotta sell this to Ukraine, he’s gotta sell Ukraine to Russia. That’s what a dealmaker does,” Trump said. “Each party has to give and take.”

Once again, Trump showed why he’s the only leader serious about ending endless wars and putting America First.

The leaked call showed Witkoff floating the idea of a “20-point peace plan” similar to the one recently brokered between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized the importance of optimism and flexibility in negotiations, while privately acknowledging that issues like Donetsk and possible land swaps would be central to a lasting agreement.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t sabotage it’s statesmanship.

• Witkoff was working to lay the groundwork for peace, not selling out America.

• He advised both sides on diplomatic strategy, something any capable envoy would do in shuttle diplomacy.

• Trump praised the effort and made it clear “If Ukraine can make a deal, it’s a good thing. I think it’s great for both.”

Still, predictably, some weak-kneed Republicans folded to the media narrative.

Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) absurdly claimed Witkoff “fully favors the Russians” and accused him of being untrustworthy. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) echoed the panic, calling the call a “major problem.” What neither mentioned? That countless American lives and tax dollars have already been thrown into a war with no clear end, while Biden’s foreign policy has emboldened adversaries from Moscow to Tehran.

What Witkoff and Trump are doing is something the Biden administration is terrified of: actually making peace.

A few facts worth remembering:

• The war in Ukraine has already cost U.S. taxpayers over $175 billion, with no accountability and no strategy from the Biden White House.

• Over 500,000 troops have died or been injured on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to recent battlefield estimates.

• Polling shows over 60% of Americans now want diplomacy over continued escalation.

This isn’t just about Witkoff’s call it’s about whether we choose more war or real leadership.

The media wants to frame peace negotiations as betrayal. But when Trump was president, no new wars started, and America’s adversaries thought twice before acting. Compare that to Biden’s presidency: a wide-open border, chaos in the Middle East, and a grinding war in Europe with no end in sight.

Trump is right to defend Witkoff. Talking to both sides and brokering real solutions isn’t treason it’s exactly what the world needs.

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