A newly surfaced audio recording captured President Trump reportedly boasting to Republican donors that, during his previous administration, he warned Russian President Vladimir Putin he would “bomb the s–t out of Moscow” if Russia invaded Ukraine.
The recording, obtained and verified by CNN, portrays a scathing example of Trump’s combative approach to foreign policy and his use of direct threats during private fundraisers.
In the remarks, Trump recounted how he issued the warning to Putin to prevent a Russian push into Ukraine.
According to the tape, Trump told the audience, “With Putin, I said, ‘If you go into Ukraine, I’m going to bomb the s–t out of Moscow. I’m telling you I have no choice.’” He alleges Putin responded with disbelief—but added, “10 percent is all you need,” a claim that drew laughter from attendees.
Trump also recounted making a parallel threat to Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating, “If you go into Taiwan, I’m gonna bomb the s–t out of Beijing.”
He described Xi’s reaction as incredulous, though he claimed that even partial belief in the threat achieved the intended deterrence.
The audio was recorded at political fundraisers during Trump’s 2024 campaign and is highlighted in the book 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America. Alongside the audio, Trump defended his stance, saying it countered critics who labeled him pro-Russia.
He draws a line between rhetoric and policy, pledging continued U.S. military support to Ukraine and considering bipartisan sanctions against Moscow and Beijing.
The leaked remarks come at a delicate moment as Russia intensifies drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, and the United States debates further military aid.
Trump’s administration has also recently signaled willingness to suspend arms shipments amid stockpile concerns in Washington — a decision that Trump later appeared to reverse after criticism.
The Kremlin responded with measured ambiguity.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to confirm or refute the audio’s authenticity, describing the global information environment as “full of fake news.”
Experts suggest Trump’s assertive threats reflect his signature style—publicly aggressive yet privately tactical. “He’s using a confrontational posture to create leverage,” said one foreign policy analyst. “Whether such threats are credible doesn’t always matter—it’s the fear they generate that can influence adversaries.”
As lawmakers weigh new aid packages and sanctions, the release of the audio adds an unexpected dimension to the debate.
It reinforces Trump’s blend of bellicose language and unconventional diplomacy—one that’s likely to spark both alarm and admiration on Capitol Hill, depending on political allegiance.
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