Washington, DC – July 9, 2025: In an unprecedented and dramatic scene captured behind closed doors, former U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed an explosive tirade against Russian President Vladimir Putin during an high-level cabinet-style strategy meeting at his Mar-a-Lago estate over the weekend, according to multiple sources present at this gathering.
Leaked video footage currently circulating across major media outlets and social platforms depicts President Donald Trump angrily lashing out against Russian President Vladimir Putin for betraying global order and crossing every line of humanity with his recent military actions in Ukraine. Trump reportedly vented after receiving briefings regarding Russia’s record-setting drone assault on Ukrainian cities days prior – an assault which resulted in numerous deaths and caused widespread destruction.
Trump said in the clip: “Putin has gone completely off track; his actions are both brutal and barbaric – I won’t stand idly by and watch him torch Europe.”
Clip: Trump criticizing what he called Putin’s “cowardly attacks on civilians” and his reckless disregard of global consequences, to visibly tense faces around the table. One anonymous aide noted that this shift marked a dramatic departure from previous diplomatic or favorable remarks regarding Putin from Trump during his presidency.
“President Trump was visibly angry,” an aide noted, noting this was the first time they’d witnessed him speak about Putin with such anger; previously he would focus more on strategic power plays rather than crimes against humanity.
Trump, currently the Republican front-runner for president in 2024, recently called for maximum pressure against Russia and suggested taking an “unconventional tools of leverage approach” should he return to power. While not specifying policies directly, he ordered advisors to review current sanctions framework and identify unconventional tools of leverage as possible policy options.
His outburst has surprised many within the GOP and reignited debates over its approach to Russia. While some welcome this change as “necessary correction”, others question if Trump’s criticism was sincere or just another political move to distance himself from past scandals.
Biden administration remains cautious in their response. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said they have seen the clip. While they welcome any voice that calls out Russia’s actions as being brutal, they remain focused on their strategic path and support of Ukraine.
International observers, including Ukrainian officials, swiftly responded to Trump’s statements. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba: “Words matter and hopefully are followed up with actions both now and later on.”
Trump’s comments at Mar-a-Lago both alarmed and comforted people alike; their significance marked an obvious break with his previous rhetoric and highlighted the increasing political and moral complexities surrounding Ukraine’s ongoing civil war. How this shift will shape his foreign policy after being reelected remains to be seen; nonetheless, its message from Mar-a-Lago was clear.