President Donald Trump spoke at CPAC 2022 in Orlando, Florida, marking his first major speech since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Trump pointed out how Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to have outsmarted U.S. President Joe Biden in military strategy so far, something which had never happened during Trump’s own administration.
“Putin is playing Biden like a drum and it’s not a pretty thing to watch,” Trump said.
Trump stated that Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan may have been a motivator in Putin’s decision to invade.
“I have no doubt that President Putin made his decision only after watching the pathetic withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Trump added.
During President Trump’s own administration, a groundbreaking peace deal was reached with Taliban forces that would include power-sharing between the revolutionary Islamist group and its pro-Western rivals in the U.S.-backed Afghan government. However, Biden quashed the deal and immediately withdrew U.S. forces from Afghanistan, leading the Taliban to mount a successful offensive to take over the country entirely within a matter of days. In addition, Biden left behind substantial U.S. armaments, vehicles and other military equipment, which were later appropriated by Taliban forces.
“I stand as the only President of the 21st century on whose watch Russia did not invade another country,” Trump proclaimed, noting that Georgia was invaded by Russia under President George W. Bush, Crimea was taken by Russia during President Barack Obama’s administration, and Biden’s administration saw the invasion and seizure of eastern Ukraine.
Upon rumors that President Trump is considering another presidential run, he has been eager to stress his foreign policy bona fides to distinguish himself from rivals such as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
