In a late-night tirade on Truth Social, President Donald Trump took aim at three authoritarian world leaders he once claimed to respect — Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un — accusing them of banding together against the United States.
The fiery post comes as the trio gathered in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. The ceremony, seen by many analysts as an attempt by China to recast the narrative of the war and minimize the United States’ decisive role, seems to have struck a nerve with Trump.
“The big question to be answered is whether or not President Xi of China will mention the massive amount of support and ‘blood’ that The United States of America gave to China in order to help it to secure its FREEDOM from a very unfriendly foreign invader. Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory,” Trump wrote.
He added, “I hope that they are rightfully Honored and Remembered for their Bravery and Sacrifice! May President Xi and the wonderful people of China have a great and lasting day of celebration.”
But then, the former president shifted into a more ominous tone — hinting that the Beijing summit may be more than just a commemorative event.
“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America,” he wrote.
The remark lands like a cold slap. Trump, once criticized for cozying up to each of these leaders — calling Xi a “brilliant man,” boasting of his “love letters” with Kim, and praising Putin’s “savvy” — is now positioning them as schemers against America.
The shift is jarring, but not entirely out of character. Trump’s fondness for strongmen has always walked a fine line between admiration and distrust. Tuesday’s post suggests that line may have finally snapped.
It’s also worth noting the timing. Just hours before the post, Trump expressed frustration over his recent private meeting with Putin in Alaska — an encounter that raised eyebrows in foreign policy circles. “Very disappointed in” Putin, Trump said, for refusing to even discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
If Trump hoped for a diplomatic win, he didn’t get one. Instead, he walked away seemingly empty-handed — and now appears to believe Putin, Xi, and Kim are openly teaming up.
That the three leaders appeared shoulder to shoulder in Beijing isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a signal — and Trump heard it loud and clear. His post may read like a warning, but it also smacks of regret: regret that his old allies may no longer be listening.
Read the full post below.
