Putin Prayed for Trump After Assassination Attempt, Reveals Envoy Steve Witkoff

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In a rare insight into the relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s top envoy, revealed that Putin took a deeply personal step after the assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally last summer. According to Witkoff, Putin prayed for Trump’s well-being following the incident, demonstrating a level of concern and highlighting the unusual dynamic between the two leaders.

Witkoff shared this heartfelt moment during an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s podcast, recounting how Putin went to his local church after hearing of the attack. "When the president was shot, he went to his local church and met with his priest and prayed for the president," Witkoff said, emphasizing that Putin viewed Trump not just as a political figure, but as a friend. Witkoff further explained that when he relayed this to Trump, the former president was visibly moved by the gesture.

The assassination attempt occurred during a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Trump. Although Trump was grazed by the bullet, the attack raised significant concerns for the U.S. and its political leaders. At the time, a Kremlin spokesperson suggested that Trump's political adversaries may have been responsible for the incident.

In addition to his prayers, Putin also sent a tangible gesture of goodwill, commissioning a "beautiful portrait" of Trump from a top Russian artist. The painting was later presented to Trump, further emphasizing the unique bond between the two men. Trump, for his part, has often praised Putin, referring to him as a "genius" and "strong leader," which has drawn criticism from those who view his admiration of the Russian president as a sign of being overly sympathetic to the Kremlin.

The relationship between Putin and Trump has been closely scrutinized, especially amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this week, the two leaders held a two-hour phone call, during which they discussed potential paths to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump called the conversation "very good and productive," signaling his continued efforts to mediate peace between the two nations.

This glimpse into the personal gestures and diplomacy between Putin and Trump highlights a complicated and often controversial dynamic that has shaped global politics in recent years.