Trump: I Have A Very Good Relationship With Taliban Leader

Donald Trump has not been shy about heaping praise on military strongmen. In September of 2018, the President talked about “falling in love” with Kim Jong Un. And his admiration for Vladimir Putin is well known as he once put the Russian President’s claims over those of US Intelligence Agencies.

But Trump’s comments over another military leader might be the most shocking and surprising yet. The United States recently reached a ceasefire with the Taliban. While speaking with reporters today, the President said that he and Taliban leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada have a very good relationship.

Trump told reporters, “We had a very good conversation with the leader of the Taliban today they’re looking to get this ended…the country really has to get it ended, we’ve been there for 20 years…the relationship I have is very good with the Mullah.”

President Trump on Taliban convo: "We had a very good conversation with the leader of the Taliban today they're looking to get this ended…the country really has to get it ended, we've been there for 20 years…the relationship I have is very good with the Mullah."

— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) March 3, 2020

This is obviously a change in policy for Trump. Back in 2012, the now President criticized then President, Barack Obama, for engaging the Taliban. Ttrump tweeted, “While Barak Obama is slashing the military, he is also negotiating with our sworn enemy the Taliban–who facilitated 9/11.”

While @BarackObama is slashing the military, he is also negotiating with our sworn enemy the Taliban–who facilitated 9/11.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2012