Trump calls those who wanted Russia sanctions "stupid people"

Trump told reporters that "stupid people" wanted him to impose sanctions on Russia. He said the Russians laugh at such sanctions.

He said sanctions would clash with his request that Vladimir Putin free American Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired teacher from Michigan. Hubbard, captured in Ukraine in April 2022, was freed on Oct 21; Trump said there was no prisoner swap.

Background

Congress passed a Russia sanctions law in September, and Trump signed it on Sep 19. On Oct 17 he signed an order cancelling some of its sanctions, restrictions and tariffs.