Donald Trump spent much of Sunday evening posting a torrent of messages on Truth Social, addressing his recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His posts combined defense, personal attacks, and boasts.
Trump criticized Democratic Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut, calling him “very unattractive” and a “lightweight.” Murphy had called the Alaska summit “a disaster,” arguing that Putin got what he wanted.
The president insisted that the summit produced no concessions for Russia. He said the media misrepresented the event, claiming it would have been criticized regardless of the location.
Trump also attacked former National Security Adviser John Bolton, labeling him and others “stupid” for allegedly making peace in Ukraine harder. He suggested the war could end quickly under the right conditions.
In one post, Trump claimed Putin preferred meeting somewhere other than the United States. He added that the media falsely framed the summit as a loss for the U.S. or for him personally.
Trump warned that the Democrat-controlled media would have criticized any alternative site, portraying it as an American failure. He insisted his administration had managed the event honorably.
The Alaska summit marked Putin’s first visit to U.S. soil in over ten years. Trump highlighted the event as a major diplomatic milestone, despite criticism over the optics of hosting a leader wanted for war crimes.
Shifting to Ukraine, Trump suggested that President Volodymyr Zelensky could end the war almost immediately if he chose. He emphasized that Ukraine should not expect NATO membership or the return of Crimea from Russia.
Trump also previewed an upcoming meeting with European leaders at the White House. He described hosting them as “a great honor to America” and said it showcased U.S. leadership on the world stage.
The European leaders expected included Britain’s Keir Starmer, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and France’s Emmanuel Macron. Trump highlighted the significance of multiple allied leaders attending at the same time.
The president clearly has a big fondness for those flags. – Truth Social
In a separate post, Trump praised the White House flags he installed, calling them “fantastic” and “the best poles anywhere in the world.” He said the display symbolized America’s strength and national pride.
Trump shared clips from Fox News, emphasizing his achievements and often comparing current U.S. conditions to those under previous administrations. He claimed America was “the hottest country in the world” after a period of decline.
Zelensky confirmed his arrival in Washington on Sunday night. He expressed eagerness to meet Trump and European leaders, emphasizing shared goals of ending the war quickly and reliably.
The Ukrainian president stressed lasting peace and the importance of defending Ukrainian territory. He thanked the United States and allied nations for their support, highlighting their role in countering Russian aggression.
I have already arrived in Washington, tomorrow I am meeting with President Trump. Tomorrow we are also speaking with European leaders. I am grateful to @POTUS for the invitation. We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably. And peace must be lasting. Not…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 18, 2025
Zelensky wrote that Crimea should not have been given up previously and pointed to ongoing Ukrainian resistance in the Donbas region. He reiterated confidence that combined international pressure could push Russia toward peace.
Trump’s late-night social media activity, mixing insults, policy claims, and nationalistic messages, set an intense tone before the high-profile meetings. Observers noted the unusual combination of personal commentary and diplomacy.
The posts attracted widespread attention from both the media and political figures. Analysts said the messaging might influence public perception of U.S. foreign policy ahead of critical talks on Ukraine and allied cooperation.
Trump’s social media approach illustrates his preference for direct communication with the public, bypassing traditional press channels. This strategy continues to spark debate about presidential communication in sensitive international matters.
Observers also noted Trump’s repeated references to domestic achievements, such as flag installations and economic claims. These posts were intertwined with his critiques of the media and political opponents.
Overall, the Sunday night social media barrage revealed Trump’s defensive stance regarding the Putin summit. It also foreshadowed the diplomatic dynamics for the following day’s meetings with Zelensky and European leaders.
The mix of personal attacks, policy statements, and symbolic messaging suggests a highly personalized approach to international affairs. Trump’s posts will likely shape media coverage and public discourse on upcoming diplomatic events.
