President Donald Trump caught the White House Press Corps off guard with a sharp quip about bribery during a high-stakes meeting at his Florida estate.
Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago to discuss a 20-point plan aimed at ending nearly four years of war between Russia and Ukraine, as reported by the Daily Mail. Amidst the serious talks, he turned to the reporters with a pointed jest about offering them lunch.
With a smirk, Trump asked, "Would you like to have some food, or would you consider that a bribe, and therefore you cannot write honestly?" His words drew chuckles around the table, but the silence from the press hinted at the underlying tension with a media he often critiques.
Trump didn’t let the moment pass without pressing for a response. He followed up with, "Would you like something to eat at this time, yes or no?"
One reporter finally answered, "Yes sir," prompting Trump to direct a staffer to have the chef prepare a meal. Yet, the gesture came with a cynical jab as he told his advisors, "That should guarantee you good stories, but it won't."
This exchange wasn’t just lighthearted banter; it underscored Trump’s long-standing frustration with journalists. His skepticism about fair reporting shines through when he predicts the lunch will only lead to harsher stories, not kinder ones.
Beyond the press room drama, the meeting with Zelensky focused on a critical peace proposal. Trump highlighted that they are "very close" to an agreement, with just "one or two thorny issues" remaining unresolved.
Key sticking points include the future of the Donbas region, a contested area in Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the need to respect Ukrainian law and territory, while Trump noted some land "may be up for grabs" in coming months.
The 20-point plan involves U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, including potential EU membership and a peacetime army of 800,000 funded by Western allies. Both leaders acknowledged the complexity, with Trump admitting it’s the toughest conflict he’s tackled among several he claims to have settled.
Despite progress, Trump tempered expectations with a dose of reality about the timeline. He suggested a few weeks might reveal whether a deal holds, warning that unforeseen issues could derail everything.
The human cost of failure weighs heavily, as Trump pointed out the ongoing deaths on both sides. He stressed that neither Russia nor Ukraine wants the bloodshed to continue, pushing for a resolution that fits all parties.
Recent Russian missile strikes on Kyiv, which killed at least one and injured 20, cast a dark shadow over the talks. Zelensky’s plea for more air defenses, weaponry, and funds reflects the urgent need for strength at the negotiating table.
Trump also shared insights on his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming a productive call and belief in Putin’s readiness for a ceasefire. He asserted that both leaders want a deal to stop the mounting casualties.
Yet, Trump’s disdain for certain media questions flared when a reporter asked about Ukraine’s security guarantees. Dismissing it as a "stupid question," he insisted the agreement’s details are still unfolding with strong European involvement.
While navigating these global challenges, Trump’s jab at the press over lunch reveals a deeper battle for narrative control. His quip about bribes may amuse some, but it’s a reminder of the tightrope journalists walk in covering a leader who questions their integrity at every turn.