People close to US President Donald Trump have advised him not to call Vladimir Putin until the Russian president commits to a complete ceasefire in Ukraine, “NBC News“ reported, citing administration officials, BTA reported.
The report added that an official had warned that it was possible that Trump might suddenly decide that he wanted to talk to Putin. On Sunday, Trump told NBC News that he planned to speak with Putin this week.
Meanwhile, the US president denied media reports that far-right activist Laura Loomer had persuaded him to fire several members of his National Security Council, DPA reported.
According to CNN and other US media, during a meeting with Trump, Loomer accused the staff of not being loyal enough to the president. The New York Times reported that six senior National Security Council officials had been fired and others had been reassigned. According to media reports, during the 30-minute meeting, Loomer criticized Trump's staff and National Security Advisor Mike Walz. Vice President J.D. Vance was also present at the meeting.
However, Trump denied that Loomer had anything to do with the firings, but acknowledged that she had suggested names for potential appointments during their meeting.
Speaking to reporters on the way to Florida, he called her a “very good patriot“ and “a strong person“. He added that she makes “recommendations on things and people“ and is usually constructive. But when asked if she was involved in personnel decisions, Trump replied: “No“.
Loomer is known for spreading conspiracy theories, such as that the Islamist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, were organized by American authorities, DPA notes.