Donald Trump Threatened Putin and Xi He Would Bomb Moscow, Beijing: Audio

In a newly released audio recording obtained by CNN, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had explicitly threatened Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping with devastating military strikes if they dared to invade Ukraine or Taiwan. The audio—captured during private 2024 campaign fundraisers in New York and Florida—reveals a strikingly blunt version of Trump’s foreign policy approach, one that mixes bravado with deterrence.

According to the recording, Trump recounted warning Putin:

“If you go into Ukraine, I'm gonna bomb the s** out of Moscow.”*

He claimed to have delivered a similar message to Xi Jinping regarding Taiwan:

“If you go into Taiwan, I'm gonna bomb the s** out of Beijing.”*

🧨 Trump: “They Thought I Was Crazy — But That’s What Worked”

In the audio, Trump describes both leaders reacting with disbelief, though he insists they believed him just enough to take him seriously.

“They didn’t believe me. They believed me 10 percent. But that’s all you need—10 percent. In fact, 5 percent would’ve been OK too.”

Trump’s comments appear to be part of a broader argument he's been making since reentering the political arena—that under his leadership, neither the war in Ukraine nor the escalating tensions in Taiwan would have happened.

“We never had a problem,” Trump said, referencing the periods of relative calm during his presidency in 2017–2021. He suggested his unpredictability and aggressive posturing acted as deterrents to adversaries in Moscow and Beijing.

🎙️ Fundraiser Audio Draws Global Attention

The audio clips, first aired by CNN and originally detailed in the book 2024 by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, have already sparked intense interest both in Washington and abroad. While no immediate official responses have been issued from the Kremlin or Beijing, analysts expect some reaction given the high-stakes nature of the remarks.

The recordings add fuel to an already combustible geopolitical climate. Trump’s blunt threat of bombing two global capitals—even if meant as a deterrent—will be closely scrutinized by national security experts and foreign governments alike.

⚠️ Contradictions and Shifting Tone on Putin

Trump’s relationship with Putin has long drawn criticism for appearing too cozy, particularly during his first term. However, the leaked audio marks a sharp turn in tone. In recent weeks, Trump has grown increasingly vocal about his frustration with Putin’s resistance to U.S.-backed ceasefire efforts in Ukraine.

“I’m not happy with Putin,” Trump said, according to the recording, adding that the Russian leader was throwing “a lot of b*****t”* at U.S. negotiators.

Despite these harsh words, Trump recently pledged additional military aid to Ukraine, signaling a potential recalibration of his approach toward Moscow after months of ambiguity.

🌏 High Stakes With China and Taiwan

Equally striking were Trump’s comments about Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the former president has repeatedly spoken about China’s ambitions toward Taiwan, the recorded comments take his rhetoric to a new level.

He claims he told Xi:

“I got to bomb you. We're gonna bomb Bei—”

Trump framed these threats not as recklessness, but as deliberate tactics:

“He thought I was crazy... but that's why it worked.”

It’s unclear how the Chinese government will respond to these publicized threats, particularly given current tensions over Taiwan and ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.

🗣️ Reactions to Watch

As the recordings gain traction in the media, there’s growing speculation about how Moscow and Beijing may react—whether through official statements, diplomatic channels, or symbolic countermeasures. Some analysts warn that Trump’s words, while not official U.S. policy, could raise tensions unnecessarily.

Others argue that the recordings may strengthen Trump’s position with certain voters who favor a hardline stance on national security and global deterrence.

📌 Final Take

Whether viewed as strategic posturing or dangerous provocation, the leaked audio once again places Donald Trump’s foreign policy philosophy under the microscope. His assertion that unpredictability—mixed with a dash of fear—is what kept authoritarian regimes in check may resonate with his base, but it’s likely to cause ripples in international diplomacy.

As global leaders and intelligence agencies dissect his words, one thing is clear: Trump’s foreign policy, even out of office, still commands attention around the world.