'Trump Is Losing,' Putin's Top Propagandist Says

 

Russian state media figures have recently launched sharp criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump in broadcasts and online commentary, asserting that he is losing power and influence due to shifts in his stance on the Ukraine conflict and his relations with Vladimir Putin.

Prominent Russian broadcasters Vladimir Solovyov and Dimitri Simes expressed doubts about Trump’s ability to maintain a consistent foreign policy, pointing to fractured alliances and erratic policymaking. They questioned his influence and conveyed dissatisfaction with his current direction.

In a recent discussion featured on Russian Media Monitor’s YouTube channel, the two commentators highlighted concerns about Trump’s unpredictability and the diminishing impact of his threats toward Russia. They also aligned with Elon Musk in criticizing Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

This tone marks a clear departure from earlier Russian state media portrayals that had praised Trump for what was seen as his alignment with Moscow’s strategic interests.

As Trump’s rhetoric toward Putin has grown harsher amid ongoing violence in Ukraine, the strong criticism from top Russian propagandists could affect diplomatic ties and public perceptions in both countries. It challenges previous narratives about Trump’s foreign policy and the influence his administration held in U.S.-Russia-Europe relations.

Their discussion also emphasized the widespread view abroad that Trump’s unpredictability undermines the stability and effectiveness of the American political system, raising concerns about his decision-making and prioritization of personal interests.

The change in tone coincides with recent shifts in Trump-Putin relations.

In May, Trump issued some of his harshest comments yet against Putin, labeling him “absolutely CRAZY” in response to intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. “I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY! He is needlessly killing a lot of people, and I’m not just talking about soldiers,” Trump posted on Truth Social. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed these remarks as an “emotional overload.”

Vladimir Solovyov, a Russian TV host known for his show Evening with Vladimir Solovyov, is widely regarded as a government propagandist and a close ally of Putin.

Dimitri Simes, a Russian-American political analyst, author, and editor, formerly served as president and CEO of The Center for the National Interest.

During their latest broadcast, Solovyov asked, “Is Trump losing?” and suggested Trump had “lost a powerful ally” in Elon Musk.

Simes responded by criticizing Trump’s inconsistent stance: “One day you can be a key player in the administration and the very next day you start very publicly bashing this administration.”

He added, “Perhaps it would be better if he took a break and stayed quiet for a while after leaving office before launching harsh criticism.”

The conversation turned to the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, which they criticized for failing to control national spending.

Simes described the bill as “full of contradictions” and lacking a clear strategy to reduce the national debt. “Trump himself said that the growing national debt threatens America’s financial stability,” Simes said. “That in turn threatens social stability, because if the government cannot fulfill social obligations like pensions, it would undermine the entire American political system.”

Solovyov agreed and questioned whether Trump had achieved any successes, citing failed initiatives such as his attempt to acquire Greenland and his tariff policies.

“The scary tariffs he threatened nobody really feared. The economy isn’t doing too well,” Solovyov noted.

Simes concurred: “It’s difficult to maintain an organized government system when the president is so unpredictable.”

Simes further explained, “As they say about Trump, he is a man of his word one day and may take it back the next. He views the world and America through the lens of his own interests, pride, and moods. This is a major problem for the president’s effectiveness and for his administration.”

Solovyov added a critical remark about Trump’s unsuccessful pressure on the Federal Reserve: “Yelling at the Fed chairman didn’t achieve anything. Aside from his relatively successful trip to the Middle East and the gift of a plane to the Pentagon, what positives are there?”

The impact of this intensified Russian state media criticism on Trump’s relationship with Moscow and on ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts in Ukraine remains unclear, as diplomatic negotiations continue amid global engagement.