President Donald Trump has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of a prisoner exchange that led to the release of Americans Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, along with two other prisoners sought by the U.S. At a rally in Harrisburg, Pa., Trump questioned the White House’s assurances that no cash or sanctions relief were part of the deal, despite confirmation from national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Trump also used social media to suggest that the U.S. has a history of poor negotiation tactics, especially regarding hostage swaps, and reiterated unsubstantiated claims about giving billions of dollars to Iran. When asked about these claims, President Biden responded, “Why didn’t he do it when he was president?”
David Whelan, Paul Whelan’s brother, expressed frustration over the handling of his brother’s case during Trump’s term, noting that the family was discouraged from speaking out and felt ignored by the previous administration.
Trump’s administration did recognize the charges against Whelan, but Trump did not publicly address Whelan’s detention during his presidency. David Whelan accused Trump of using his brother’s situation for political gain, stating that Trump mentioned Paul Whelan’s wrongful detention more frequently after his presidency than during it.
Trump questions Biden’s prisoner exchange
Trump also suggested that journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on March 29, 2023, would be released immediately after the election or before he would assume office, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin would only cooperate with him. The prisoner swap, which is the largest East-West exchange since the Cold War, freed 24 prisoners from seven countries, including Gershkovich, Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva. President Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris met the freed prisoners as they returned to the US.
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin has expressed dismay over Trump’s congratulatory message to Putin, labeling it as “just disturbing” and suggesting that it undermines President Biden’s efforts in securing the historic prisoner exchange deal. Slotkin emphasized the need to focus on the broader implications of these actions and how they serve or hinder national interests.
