Trump Comments on Clinton’s Nobel Suggestion Before Meeting Putin

As President Donald Trump approached a significant meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he expressed appreciation for Hillary Clinton, his former opponent in the presidential race, who mentioned considering him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Earlier that day, during an episode of the “Raging Moderates” podcast, Clinton outlined the conditions under which she might nominate Trump for the prize. Specifically, she suggested that Trump would need to facilitate a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, ensuring Ukraine retains all its territory.

“If President Trump were the architect of that, I’d nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize,” she remarked.

While on Air Force One just before meeting Putin, Trump was asked about Clinton’s comments by Fox News Anchor Bret Baier. He responded with, “That’s very nice. I might have to start liking her again.”

This exchange showcases a surprising shift in their relationship, considering how contentious it was during the 2016 campaign, where both traded sharp insults. Back then, Clinton questioned Trump’s ability to serve, while he threatened to jail her.

Putting the Nobel discussions aside, Trump expressed he felt “very well” heading into his meeting with Putin.

“I think it’s going to work out very well, and if it doesn’t, I’m going to head back home real fast,” he said.

Clinton’s Conditions for a Nomination

In her earlier remarks, Clinton stated she would support a Nobel nomination for Trump if he could end the war between Russia and Ukraine. This discussion unfolded just as Anchorage, Alaska, prepared for high-level talks between the two leaders.

Clinton emphasized the seriousness of the summit, mentioning Trump was meeting with an adversary aiming to destabilize the U.S. and its allies.

“He is not meeting with a friend. He is meeting with an adversary…” she noted.

Clinton expressed a strong desire for peace but specified her conditions. She envisioned a scenario where Trump could help Ukraine stand firm against Putin, ensuring no land concessions occurred.

“If President Trump were the architect of that, I’d nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize,” she stated again, emphasizing her hopes for a ceasefire that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

She insisted it was crucial not to allow the U.S. to support any capitulation to Putin, stating, “I think that’s a terrible, terrible precedent.”

Clinton also warned that failing to confront Putin would potentially encourage further aggression, putting both Ukraine and the U.S. at risk.

This somewhat supportive comment from Clinton might seem out of character, especially given their fraught history since the 2016 election. Some analysts argue that her statement might reflect a belief that Trump is unlikely to effectively negotiate a resolution.

In the past, Clinton has criticized Trump for his admiration of authoritarian leaders like Putin and has made less-than-flattering remarks about his supporters. More recently, she labeled his administration as “dumb.”

She hopes that the prospect of a Nobel Peace Prize might motivate Trump to approach his summit with seriousness, pointing out that the award is often elusive.

Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, with previous nominations coming from various international figures, including lawmakers from Australia and representatives from Pakistan.

The meeting between Trump and Putin is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.