Russian state media figures have sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump in recent broadcasts and online commentary, claiming he is “losing” power and influence as his stance on the Ukraine war and relations with Vladimir Putin have shifted.
Influential Russian broadcasters Vladimir Solovyov and Dimitri Simes aired skepticism about Trump’s ability to maintain consistent foreign policy, highlighting lost alliances, questioning his influence and expressing overall dissatisfaction with Trump’s direction, citing fractured alliances and inconsistent policymaking.
In a recent broadcast posted to Russian Media Monitor on YouTube, the pair discussed their concerns over Trump’s unpredictability and the perceived diminishing effectiveness of his threats toward Russia, while aligning with Musk on criticism of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Why It Matters
This criticism signals a notable shift in Russian state media’s approach to Trump, once praised for his perceived alignment with Moscow’s strategic interests.
As Trump’s rhetoric against Putin has intensified in response to ongoing violence in Ukraine, the reactions from top Russian propagandists could impact diplomatic relations and public opinion in both countries. The situation challenges prevailing narratives around Trump’s foreign policy and his administration’s leverage in U.S.-Russia-Europe relations.
The discussion underscores the notions abroad that Trump’s unpredictability undermines the stability and effectiveness of the American political system, emphasizing concerns about his decision-making and prioritization of personal interests.
What To Know
The statements come as the dynamics and relations between Trump and Putin have shifted.
In May, Trump issued some of his harshest comments yet regarding Putin, calling him “absolutely CRAZY” over intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called Trump’s words an “emotional overload.”
Solovyov is a Russian TV presenter, hosting Evening with Vladimir Solovyov on Russian TV. He is accused of being a propagandist for the Russian government and is a confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Simes is a Russian-American political pundit, author and editor who served as the president and CEO of The Center for the National Interest.
In the latest discussion, Solovyov posed the question “Is Trump Losing?” and added that he believed Trump had “lost a powerful ally” in Elon Musk.
Simes replied by saying, “You know of course I don’t like this tendency that exists in America. One day you can be a key player in the administration and the very next day you start very publicly bashing this administration.”
“Perhaps it would be better if he took a bit of a break and be quiet for a little while after leaving the administration before he started to harshly criticize it,” Simes added.
The two then discussed the Big Beautiful Bill and what they say were its failings, including a failure to control national spending.
Simes said the bill “contains many contradictions” and doesn’t carve a path to lessen the national debt.
“Trump himself said that the constantly growing national debt threatens Americas financial stability,” Simes explained, adding “Therefore America’s social stability because if the government is unable to pay its social obligations like pensions it would undermine the stability of entire American political system.”
Solovyov agreed that things were moving in that direction and then asked if Trump had any successes.
He said Trump’s plan didn’t appear to be going as planned, including his attempt to take over Greenland and his tariff plan.
“The scary tariffs with which he threatened everyone scared no one. The economy isn’t feeling all too well,” Solovyov said.
Simes echoed that sentiment saying, “I’m sure you understand that its hard to have a well-organized system of government when the president is so unpredictable.”
What People Are Saying
Dimitri Simes, Russian-American political pundit, author and editor who served as the president and CEO of The Center for the National Interest told Solovyov on the broadcast: “As they say about him [Trump], he truly is a man of his word. Today he gives his word tomorrow he may take it back. I’m sure you understand that its hard to have a well-organized system of government when the president is so unpredictable. And looks at the world and at his country America through the prism of his own interest and dare I say his own pride and his own mood. This is a big problem in terms of the Presidents efficacy as well as well as his administration.”
Vladimir Solovyov, TV presenter and accused Putin propagandist: “Yelling at the head of the Federal Reserve also didn’t yield any results. Aside from his exceptionally successful trip to the Middle East and a wonderful plane gifted to the pentagon what other positives are there?”
What Happens Next
The impact of heightened criticism from Russian state media on Trump’s relationship with Moscow, and on ongoing U.S.-led efforts for a peace agreement in Ukraine, remains uncertain as diplomatic discussions are set to continue through new rounds of talks and ongoing international engagement.
The post ‘Trump Is Losing,’ Putin’s Top Propagandist Says appeared first on Newsweek.
