Burgum says Russia agreed to prisoner swap because they think ‘Trump’s going to win’

SUMMARY

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum suggested that Russia agreed to the recent prisoner swap with the U.S. because they believe former President Trump will win the upcoming election. Burgum made this statement during an interview on Fox News, where he also criticized President Biden's handling of hostage negotiations and international tensions. He argued that Russia sought to make the deal now to avoid dealing with Trump, whom they expect to return to office. The swap, announced by President Biden, involved the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marine Paul Whelan, and several other prisoners in exchange for eight Russian detainees. The negotiations spanned several months, with the final details coming together shortly before Biden paused his reelection campaign.