Trump Reiterates Claim on WSJ Reporter Jailed in Russia

by Sharon Rondeau

(Jun. 26, 2024) — As he did just over a month ago, 45th president and 2024 presumptive Republican nominee Donald J. Trump promised the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been imprisoned in Russia since late March of last year.

“EVAN GERSHKOVICH, the young Wall Street Journal reporter who is being harshly detained in Russia as his ESPIONAGE TRIAL is about to begin, will be released prior to my taking office if I WIN the Election on NOVEMBER 5th,” Trump posted on TruthSocial early Wednesday morning.

He indicated, however, that White House incumbent Joe Biden may currently be engaged in obtaining Gershkovich’s freedom. “Crooked Joe can’t do anything right, although it is likely that he will pay $BILLIONS, which continues a very bad ‘Biden Precedent,’ to get Evan home,” Trump continued his post.

Of his own presidency, Trump continued, “I got a record 58 hostages brought home, paying next to nothing. Putin has no respect for Biden – and that’s the way it goes!!!”

Perhaps suggesting Biden would not succeed in his presumed effort as to Gershkovich, Trump concluded with, “Fear not, Evan, I will get you home soon, and you will be safe while there!!!”

Even earlier Wednesday, the Associated Press reported the commencement of an initial hearing in Gershkovich’s case, which arose from Russia’s accusation of Gershkovich’s commission of “espionage” on behalf of the CIA.

The allegation has been denied by Gershkovich, The Journal, the White House and State Department.

During the hearing, Gershkovich was confined to a cage, and journalists were permitted only a short time in the courtroom “before the proceedings were closed,” AP reported.

According to CNN, the 32-year-old journalist was reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 “and how it was changing life in the country.”