US President Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic telling French President Emmanuel Macron that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants to make a deal.” The conversation occurred ahead of a multilateral meeting involving European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump was overheard in the East Room, whispering to Macron: “I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.”
‘I think he wants to make a deal, you understand? As crazy as it sounds’
Trump caught talking on hot mic BEFORE ‘official’ meeting with European leaders pic.twitter.com/rA3AoiMz8V
— RT (@RT_com) August 18, 2025
Call With Putin During Multilateral Talks
Reports indicate that Trump paused his meeting with Zelensky and European leaders to speak with Putin. According to sources cited by CNN, the European leaders were not present during the call, which took place before the continuation of discussions with European representatives, as reported by Bild.
Trump Explains the Conversation on Truth Social
Trump shared details of his meetings and call with Putin on Truth Social, writing:
“I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Alexander Stubb of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office. During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine… Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.”
He continued: “At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Implications of the Hot Mic Moment
The clip has gone viral, drawing attention to Trump’s remarks on potential peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Observers note that the comments reflect Trump’s active involvement in arranging a trilateral meeting between the US, Russia, and Ukraine.
