Trump called those who called him to impose sanctions against Russia "stupid people". He stated this while talking to the American Stephen Hubbard, who was recently released from a Russian prison. "While I was negotiating for you, stupid people demanded that I introduce sanctions against Russia. If I did, your sons would say: That was a bad decision. The Russians are laughing at me. I think you hear it. They are laughing at the sanctions," said the US president. According to Trump, the introduction of sanctions could disrupt the negotiations for the American release. "What will it look like? I'm talking to President Putin: 'I'd like to bring back Stephen Hubbard, Mr. President.' And by the way, we are imposing sanctions against you." Well, yes, of course. And then you would say no, it was a great honor for me to secure your release," Trump added.

Trump called those who called him to impose sanctions against Russia "stupid people". He stated this while talking to the American Stephen Hubbard, who was recently released from a Russian prison. "While I was negotiating for you, stupid people demanded that I introduce sanctions against Russia. If I did, your sons would say: That was a bad decision. The Russians are laughing at me. I think you hear it. They are laughing at the sanctions," said the US president. According to Trump, the introduction of sanctions could disrupt the negotiations for the American release. "What will it look like? I'm talking to President Putin: 'I'd like to bring back Stephen Hubbard, Mr. President.' And by the way, we are imposing sanctions against you." Well, yes, of course. And then you would say no, it was a great honor for me to secure your release," Trump added.