President Trump on Monday strongly suggested that a deal may be near to bring home Stephen Hubbard, an American teacher held in Russia, telling reporters to "just stick with me" and promising movement within days.
Asked directly whether the U.S. is on the verge of a deal to free Hubbard, Trump declined to confirm details but pointed to his personal involvement.
"Just stick with me. Nobody else was able to do it. Just stick with me," Trump said. "I don't want to talk about it, but everybody's been after Hubbard for a long time, long before I got here. And just to remember that question for a couple of days from now, okay?"
Trump Slams Biden-Era Prisoner Swaps
The president contrasted his efforts with what he called bad deals made by the previous administration.
"We don't give $6 billion, like Biden. We don't give the number one in history, the number one arms dealer ever in history, and get a basketball player back and give $6 billion on top of it. The deals we made were done by stupid people," Trump said.
Direct Appeals to Putin
Trump revealed that he has personally raised Hubbard's case with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I've been talking to President Putin about Mr. Hubbard. I've been talking to him at length. I've asked him to release him and see what happens," Trump said.
He added: "Okay, let's see what happens. I'd love to get him back. It's time to have Mr. Hubbard back."
