Trump Says His Promise to End Russia-Ukraine War in 24 Hours Was ‘A Bit Sarcastic’
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump clarified on Friday that his widely publicized promise to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours was meant to be taken “a little bit sarcastically.” The statement came during an interview for the “Full Measure” television program, where he was asked about his repeated claims on the campaign trail that he would broker peace in just a day.
“Well, I was being a little bit sarcastic when I said that,” Trump said in a clip released ahead of the episode airing Sunday. “What I really mean is I’d like to get it settled, and I think I’ll be successful.”
Trump’s remark is a rare admission from a politician known for making bold claims, often without immediate clarification. His comments also come as his administration is actively engaging in diplomatic talks to end the ongoing war, now in its fourth year.
Campaign Promises vs. Reality
Trump’s original claim to end the war in 24 hours was a central talking point during his campaign. He repeatedly assured voters that he had a strategy to halt the conflict almost instantly upon taking office.
In a CNN town hall in May 2023, he confidently stated, “They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done — I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”
Later, during his September 2024 debate with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump went even further, claiming that he would resolve the crisis before he was even sworn into office. “That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president. If I win, when I’m president-elect, and what I’ll do is I’ll speak to one, I’ll speak to the other. I’ll get them together.”
The former president and current commander-in-chief had made similar claims at his rallies, reinforcing his image as a dealmaker who could negotiate a swift peace agreement. However, over 50 days into his second term, the war continues, and his administration is still working on a resolution.
Current Diplomatic Efforts
Despite walking back his earlier promise, Trump’s administration is actively engaged in diplomatic discussions to broker peace. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Moscow this week for talks on a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which Ukraine has accepted. The success of these negotiations remains uncertain, as Russia has yet to officially agree.
When pressed on what his plan would be if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses a ceasefire, Trump remained cautiously optimistic but acknowledged the grim consequences.
“Bad news for this world because so many people are dying,” Trump said.
“But I think, I think he’s going to agree. I really do. I think I know him pretty well, and I think he’s going to agree.”
A Pattern of Grand Promises
Trump’s admission that his 24-hour peace pledge was exaggerated adds to a history of lofty campaign promises that have faced reality checks once in office. Throughout his political career, Trump has often made bold, sweeping statements that later required clarification or were walked back.
His supporters argue that his confidence and unorthodox approach to diplomacy have yielded results in the past, such as his engagement with North Korea and brokered agreements in the Middle East. However, critics suggest that his statements often overpromise and oversimplify complex global issues.
What Happens Next?
With the war between Russia and Ukraine showing no immediate signs of resolution, the world is closely watching how Trump’s administration handles the crisis. While he may have abandoned the “24-hour” timeline, his diplomatic team continues negotiations, hoping to deliver on his broader promise of peace.
Whether his relationship with Putin will prove advantageous in securing a ceasefire remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear—ending a war is far more complicated than campaign rhetoric suggests.
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