Trump's BBC Exclusive: 'Disappointed in Putin but Not Done' - Inside the Shocking White House Interview

Breaking: Trump's Candid Revelation About Putin

In a stunning 20-minute exclusive telephone interview with BBC from the Oval Office, President Donald Trump made headlines worldwide by expressing his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin while insisting their relationship isn't over. The interview, conducted by BBC's Chief North America Correspondent Gary O'Donoghue, came just hours after Trump announced a massive weapons package for Ukraine and issued a 50-day ultimatum to Russia.

When asked directly if he trusts Putin, Trump's response was characteristically blunt: 'I trust almost no one'. This candid admission reveals the complex dynamics between the two world leaders as the Ukraine conflict continues to strain international relations. The timing of this interview was particularly significant, occurring immediately after Trump's meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House.

The Ukraine Weapons Game-Changer

Trump's announcement of a new weapons supply plan for Ukraine represents a dramatic shift in his foreign policy approach. The plan involves European allies purchasing billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment, which will then be transferred to Ukraine. This innovative financing mechanism allows the U.S. to provide advanced weaponry while having European countries foot the bill.

The weapons package includes highly sought-after Patriot air defense systems, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been requesting for months. Trump indicated that some Patriot systems could arrive in Ukraine 'within days,' marking a significant escalation in Western military support. A source familiar with the plans told Axios that the U.S. will sell around $10 billion in weapons to NATO allies in the first wave.

The 50-Day Ultimatum: Putin's Deadline

Perhaps the most dramatic element of Trump's strategy is his 50-day ultimatum to Russia. The president warned that if no ceasefire agreement is reached within this timeframe, Russia will face 100% 'secondary tariffs' - a plan to impose tariffs on countries like China and India that purchase Russian oil. This approach could have major implications for global oil markets and represents a significant escalation in economic pressure on Moscow.

Trump's frustration with Putin was evident throughout the BBC interview, as he revealed that peace negotiations had appeared close to success on four separate occasions. 'We'll have a great conversation. I'll say: That's good, I think we're close to getting it done, and then he'll knock down a building in Kyiv,' Trump explained, highlighting his exasperation with the Russian leader's actions.

NATO Transformation: From 'Obsolete' to Essential

In a remarkable reversal from his previous stance, Trump praised NATO during the BBC interview, calling the alliance no longer 'obsolete' as he had previously claimed. The president highlighted NATO's agreement to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP as a major victory, stating it was 'amazing' that such an agreement was possible.

Trump's newfound enthusiasm for NATO stems from the alliance's commitment to significantly increase defense spending. At the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, member countries agreed to allocate 3.5% of their GDP to core defense and an additional 1.5% to broader security measures like cyber defense. This represents more than double the previous 2% target, demonstrating the alliance's commitment to burden-sharing that Trump had long demanded.

Immigration Crackdown: Record-Breaking Results

Trump boasted about his immigration achievements during the BBC interview, claiming he had 'done much more than promised' regarding illegal immigration at the US-Mexico border. The president noted that illegal immigration had dropped to record levels since his second term began, representing a significant policy victory for his administration.

The current focus has shifted from border security to interior enforcement, with Trump's administration now concentrating on identifying, detaining, and deporting undocumented immigrants already in the United States. When asked about deportation targets, Trump declined to provide specific numbers but emphasized prioritizing the removal of criminals. The administration has been sending deportees to various countries, including El Salvador, as part of controversial agreements with Central American nations.

The 'One Big Beautiful Bill': Historic Tax Cuts

Trump praised his signature tax legislation, dubbed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which he signed into law on July 4, 2025. The legislation delivers an estimated $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, makes the 2017 individual tax brackets permanent, and introduces new deductions for tips, overtime, and seniors. Trump claimed this represents 'the biggest tax cut in history'.

However, the legislation also includes significant spending cuts, reducing nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and billions from SNAP benefits. The Congressional Budget Office projects the plan will add around $3.3 trillion to the federal deficit through 2034, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability. Despite these concerns, Trump positioned the tax cuts as essential for American economic growth and competitiveness.

UK Relations: Brexit, Trade, and Royal Visits

Trump's comments about the United Kingdom during the BBC interview revealed his continued affection for America's traditional ally. He described Britain as a 'great country' and mentioned his property investments there, demonstrating his personal connection to the UK. However, Trump was critical of Brexit implementation, stating that Britain hadn't used Brexit well and that 'the process was a bit messy but it's getting straightened out'.

The president expressed genuine admiration for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying 'he's a liberal but I really like him' and praising the UK-US trade agreement. Trump emphasized his 'special bond' with Britain, noting that he made agreements with the UK while mostly avoiding deals with the EU or other British competitors. Looking ahead to his unprecedented second state visit to the UK in September, Trump said his goal is to 'have a good time and show respect for King Charles, who is a great gentleman'.

Global Impact and Future Implications

Trump's BBC interview signals a significant shift in American foreign policy approach, moving away from isolationism toward more assertive international engagement, particularly regarding Ukraine and NATO. The president's strategy of using economic leverage through tariffs and sanctions represents a new model for addressing geopolitical conflicts.

The Kremlin's response to Trump's announcements has been cautious, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the statements 'very serious' and requiring 'time to analyze'. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed Trump's ultimatum as a 'theatrical ultimatum,' but Russian officials appear to be taking the economic threats seriously. As Trump defined his presidential legacy as 'saving America,' his approach to international relations continues to reshape global diplomatic norms and expectations.