When it comes to making deals, the Biden administration seems to be handing out freebies like candy on Halloween. Recently, the U.S. facilitated a massive prisoner swap with Russia, exchanging Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich for Russian hitman Vadim Krasikov as well as other prisoners on both sides.

This does not sit well with everyone, especially not with former President Donald Trump.

Biden’s Bumbling Beginnings

Countries like Russia have seized numerous Americans as political prisoners during Biden’s presidency. While these Americans languish in foreign prisons, Biden appears more interested in his daily ice cream run than in bringing them home. His administration has now orchestrated a major prisoner swap, and while some are celebrating Gershkovich’s return, others are outraged at the cost.

Trump’s Take on the Swap

From Fox Business:
Former President Trump reacted to the historic prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia, calling the deal a win for Putin after the Biden administration facilitated the largest swap in the post-Soviet era. As usual, it was a win for Putin or any other country that deals with us, but we got somebody back, so I’m never going to be challenging that, he told Maria Bartiromo after Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich returned to the U.S.

Trump’s point is clear: under his administration, this wouldn’t have gone down the same way. He believes that he could have secured Gershkovich’s release without bending over backward for Putin. Trump’s confidence in his negotiating skills shines through as he criticizes Biden’s strategy.

It wouldn’t have happened with us. We would have gotten him back. We wouldn’t have had to pay anything. We wouldn’t have had to let some of the great killers of the world go, because that’s what’s happened, as you know. And the deal is very complex because it just came out. So nobody understands the deal yet, and they make it complex so you can’t understand how bad the deal is for us.

But what is the real cost of this swap? Of course everyone is happy to have Gershkovich home after being so poorly treated for 16 months. But are we putting more Americans in harm’s way with the people Biden got released?

From The Wall Street Journal:
Vadim Krasikov—a Russian hitman and former intelligence officer convicted of murdering an enemy of the Kremlin in a Berlin park—told a guard in the German prison where he was serving a life sentence that, the Russian Federation will not leave me to rot in jail. On Thursday, that boast became reality. Krasikov was released by German authorities and handed over to Russia as part of the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War…

The fact that Krasikov, a murderer and former intelligence officer, was released in exchange is deeply troubling. This man isn’t just any prisoner; he’s a symbol of Putin’s ruthless regime. Releasing him sends a message that the Kremlin can continue its deadly games without consequence.

Putin’s Message

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally demanded Krasikov’s return to Russia. For him, the assassin’s release sent a dual message: The Kremlin will hunt down its enemies, even if they flee to the West, and it won’t abandon those who remain loyal to his government.

This move emboldens Putin and his allies, showing them that loyalty to the regime pays off. Meanwhile, it puts a target on the backs of anyone who dares to oppose the Kremlin, no matter where they are.

A Dangerous Precedent

The repercussions of this deal are far-reaching. By agreeing to such an exchange, Biden’s administration has set a dangerous precedent. It signals to hostile nations that the U.S. is willing to negotiate with terrorists and murderers, undermining the safety of Americans abroad.

Biden’s critics argue that this deal is a perfect example of his administration’s weakness on the global stage. Rather than standing firm and negotiating from a position of strength, Biden appears to be capitulating to foreign adversaries. This not only jeopardizes American citizens but also emboldens regimes like Putin’s to continue their oppressive tactics.

Trump’s Confidence

Trump, on the other hand, asserts that his administration would have handled things differently. His track record of dealing with foreign powers often involved a tough stance and a refusal to compromise American values or security. Trump’s confidence in his ability to negotiate without making significant concessions resonates with many who are frustrated by Biden’s approach.

The recent prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia highlights the stark contrast between Biden’s and Trump’s approaches to foreign policy. While Biden’s deal brings home a journalist, it also frees a dangerous killer, sending a troubling message to the world.

Trump’s criticism underscores the need for a more strategic and firm approach to international negotiations, one that prioritizes American safety and security above all else.

Key Takeaways:

• Biden’s prisoner swap with Russia has sparked significant controversy, with Trump criticizing it as a win for Putin.
• The release of a convicted Russian hitman sets a dangerous precedent and emboldens hostile regimes.
• Trump’s confidence in his negotiating skills highlights the contrast between his administration’s approach and Biden’s perceived weakness.

Sources: Fox Business, The Wall Street Journal