Vance credits prisoner releases as ‘a testament to Trump’s strength’ – Washington Examiner
Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) attributed Russia’s recent willingness to engage in a prisoner swap with the United States to fears concerning a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency. In an interview with CNN, Vance expressed support for the release of American detainees Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, stating it was “ridiculous” that they were imprisoned in the first place. He suggested that the swap was influenced by the recognition among global adversaries of Trump’s possible return to power, considering it a demonstration of Trump’s strength.
The recent exchange marked the first such instance since a notable swap in December 2022 involving basketball player Brittney Griner. This latest deal included the release of over two dozen individuals from various countries, facilitated with the help of international allies, which President Joe Biden emphasized during a White House briefing. He noted that alliances are crucial for ensuring national safety.
Biden also responded to questions regarding Trump’s previous claims of being able to secure the release of these hostages without concessions, asking why he had not done so during his presidency. Trump criticized the recent exchange as “extortion” and urged the Biden administration to disclose further details about the deal.
Vance credits prisoner releases as ‘a testament to Trump’s strength’
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) suggested Russia’s willingness to participate in the prisoner swap with the United States was influenced by their fear about a potential second Trump administration.
“We certainly want these Americans to come back home. It was ridiculous that they were in prison to begin with,” Vance said in an interview with CNN.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former Marine Paul Whelan are among the prisoners being released from Russian custody.
“We have to ask ourselves: Why are they coming home? And I think it’s because bad guys all over the world recognize Donald Trump’s about to be back in office, so they’re cleaning house,” Vance said.
“That’s a good thing, and I think it’s a testament to Donald Trump’s strength.”
This swap marked the first such exchange since December 2022, when basketball player Brittney Griner was released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
According to the Turkish presidential office, more than two dozen prisoners were exchanged, including people from the U.S., Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, Russia, and Belarus.
“This deal would not have been made possible without our allies. They stood with us,” President Joe Biden said during a White House briefing.
“For anyone who questions whether allies matter, they do. They matter. Today is a powerful example why it’s vital to have friends in this world. Our alliances make our people safer,” Biden said.
Among those freed were also Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen and journalist, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, a U.S. resident and prominent Russian opposition politician.
During the press conference, a reporter asked Biden about Trump’s previous claims that he could have freed these hostages without making any concessions.
“Why didn’t he do it when he was president?” Biden replied.
Trump condemned the exchange, describing it as “extortion” on the country and warning that it establishes a “bad precedent for the future.”
He also urged the administration to disclose the details of the exchange.
“So when are they going to release the details of the prisoner swap with Russia? How many people do we get versus them? Are we also paying them cash? Are they giving us cash (Please withdraw that question, because I’m sure the answer is NO)? Are we releasing murderers, killers, or thugs?,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“Just curious because we never make good deals, at anything, but especially hostage swaps. Our “negotiators” are always an embarrassment to us! I got back many hostages, and gave the opposing Country NOTHING – and never any cash,” he wrote.
“They’re calling the trade ‘complex’ – That’s so nobody can figure out how bad it is!” he added.
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