In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump made a surprising call for Russia to release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been held for over a year. Trump expressed uncertainty about Gershkovich’s release under President Biden and admitted his previous silence on the matter, citing other priorities.
Gershkovich was detained in Russia in March 2023 on what the Journal and US officials deem unfounded espionage charges. Trump’s statement marks a departure from his usual stance on Putin’s regime, which he’s been hesitant to criticize.
Contrary to Trump’s stance, the Biden administration has swiftly condemned Gershkovich’s detention, with Biden personally calling for his release soon after the arrest. The US State Department has also declared Gershkovich’s detention wrongful, emphasizing freedom of the press.
While bipartisan efforts have condemned Gershkovich’s imprisonment, Trump’s silence has been noted, especially as the Biden administration’s attempts to secure his release haven’t borne fruit. The White House reiterated its demand for Gershkovich’s immediate release in response to Trump’s comments, emphasizing Biden’s continuous efforts in this regard.
