Trump calls Putin and Xi “Tough, smart leaders who can’t be toyed with”
Washington DC – Former US President Donald Trump praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, calling them tough and calculating. He said both men were “serious leaders” who demand respect. Trump made these remarks during his appearance on CBS News’ 60 Minutes on Sunday night.
It was Trump’s first interview with CBS since the network settled a lawsuit with him earlier this year. When asked who among Putin and Xi was tougher to deal with, Trump said both stood on equal footing. “Both are tough. Both are smart. They’re strong leaders who don’t waste time on small talk. You must take them seriously,” he said.
Trump described them as leaders with strategic minds. “They don’t walk in talking about how beautiful the day is. These are people who think deeply and act decisively,” he added.
Turning to global affairs, Trump blamed President Joe Biden for the war in Ukraine. He claimed that Russia would not have invaded under his leadership. “That war would never have happened if I were in office,” Trump said. “Putin knew that. During my four years, there wasn’t even a doubt.”
He also highlighted his military buildup during his presidency. “I rebuilt our military. We make the best weapons in the world, and those weapons are now being used in that war,” Trump said, suggesting that US strength kept conflicts in check during his term.
When asked about his past relationship with Xi Jinping, Trump spoke warmly but with a note of caution. “Xi is a powerful man. We’ve always had a strong understanding,” he said. He admitted, however, that the COVID-19 pandemic strained their ties. Still, he maintained that “the relationship remains as good as it gets because both nations are powerful.”
Discussing his trade war with China, Trump defended his tough stance as a necessary move. “I took in a lot of money from China. We were doing very well. Then they decided to fight back using rare earth — something they built power over for decades,” he said.
He framed his policies as strategic rather than confrontational. “It hurt for a while, but it was the right thing to do. I acted in America’s interest,” Trump asserted.
Last week, Trump announced a 10 per cent cut in tariffs on Chinese goods, reducing them from 57 to 47 per cent. He called the move a “gesture of good faith” after what he described as a “constructive” meeting with Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Trump’s comments come at a time when US-China tensions remain high and Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to dominate global headlines. His praise for two of America’s biggest rivals sparked debate, yet it underlined his long-standing belief that strength commands respect in global politics.
In his words, “They’re not easy men. But I respect them — they’re serious about power, and so am I.”
