Joe Walsh Suggests Trump Might Be a Russian Asset

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Republican congressman Joe Walsh fueled speculation on Thursday that President Donald Trump could be a “Russian asset” during an appearance on CNN‘s “This Morning.”

During the discussion, Walsh expressed concern about Trump’s recent comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He stated, “The American president right now could be a plant, could be a Russian asset. I mean, think about that.” Walsh elaborated that if Americans ignore the possibility of Trump being influenced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it reflects a concerning lack of awareness.

Walsh’s remarks traced back to a post by Trump on Truth Social, where he labeled Zelenskyy as “a dictator without elections,” while questioning the allocation of U.S. aid to Ukraine. This statement has raised eyebrows among political observers given the context of ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

CNN host Jim Scuitto questioned Walsh about the implications of Trump seemingly echoing Russian narratives surrounding the conflict. Walsh responded, pointing out Trump’s alignment with Putin’s views, asserting, “Straight up, he’s siding with Putin.” He added that Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains substantial despite discontent among Senate Republicans.

As the discussion unfolded, Walsh reiterated his stance, stating, “Everything he’s done, everything he’s said for 8 or 9 years is exactly what Vladimir Putin would say and want him to do.” He suggested that Trump’s position on the war resonates with Putin’s objectives.

Scuitto attempted to moderate the conversation by clarifying the lack of direct evidence supporting Walsh’s assertion that Trump is a Russian asset. Nevertheless, Walsh persisted, emphasizing the alignment of Trump’s positions with those of the Russian regime.

When approached for comment regarding Walsh’s claims, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly’s response was dismissive, simply asking, “Joe who?” This retort underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding Trump’s statements and relationships overseas.

In recent weeks, Trump and Zelenskyy have exchanged criticisms about how to resolve the ongoing war, which has persisted since February 2022. Trump has actively sought to mediate discussions between the two nations, leveraging his experience since taking office in January 2021.