White House national security adviser John Kirby criticized former President Trump and Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) for claiming Trump deserved credit for the recent prisoner swap with Russia. The swap included the release of Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich.
“There’s absolutely zero evidence at all that this deal was brought about because of some potential fear of who might be the next president,” Kirby told CNN’s Kate Bolduan.
Vance had suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to the swap due to the potential of a Trump presidency. Kirby countered, stating the deal resulted from President Biden’s alliances and trust, particularly with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who agreed to release Russian assassin Vadim Krasikov, a key factor in the swap.
Kirby emphasized the success was due to “solid relationships and trusting confidence” built over years. He also addressed Trump’s claim that the release was a “win for Putin” because it involved releasing “really bad guys.” Trump had boasted about securing 59 prisoner releases during his term without financial exchange, while Kirby noted Biden had secured the release of over 70 Americans.
The White House dismissed Vance’s claims, with national security adviser Jake Sullivan stating he “does not follow” Vance’s logic. Biden, when questioned about Trump’s assertions, responded, “Why didn’t he do it when he was president?”
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