Trump on Evan Gershkovich sentencing: ‘Biden will NEVER GET HIM OUT’

by Lauren Irwin - 07/20/24 8:57 AM ET

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands listening to the verdict in a glass cage of a courtroom inside the building of “Palace of justice,” in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

Former President Trump weighed in on the recent sentencing of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia, attempting to draw a contrast with President Biden’s handling of Americans held captive overseas.

“Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was just sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Russian Court. Biden will NEVER GET HIM OUT, unless he pays a ‘king’s ransom.’” Trump posted to his Truth Social site.

“I will get him out FOR NO COMPENSATION immediately following our victory on November 5^th, and it will be my great honor to do so,” he wrote, adding that people should vote for him, and the Journal should “STOP BEING STUPID!!!”

Earlier this year, Trump signaled he was skeptical that Gershkovich would be released before the November election, because he thinks Biden has dealt with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very poorly.” He argued that his relationship with Putin was better and could aid in the reporter being released from prison.

Gershkovich was sentenced Friday to 16 years in prison in a closed-door trial in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. He pleaded not guilty to espionage charges.

Officials in the United States, press freedom groups and the Journal have all argued that the charges are fabricated.

Gershkovich was arrested in March 2023 and accused of collecting state secrets on the Russian military on behalf of the U.S. government — becoming the first American journalist to be detained in Russia since the Cold War.

Wall Street Journal Publisher Almar Latour and Emma Tucker, the editor-in-chief, quickly condemned the sentencing.

Biden released his own statement following the news Friday, noting that the White House is “pushing hard for Evan’s release and will continue to do so.”

The president has long condemned Trump for his close ties to Russia amid its war with Ukraine. His reelection campaign has even painted the former president as a “lap dog” for Putin.

It’s not clear how Gershkovich’s sentencing will impact ongoing negotiations between Russia and the U.S. for a potential prisoner swap. Former Marine Paul Whelan has been detained in Russia since 2018.

Biden said he has “no higher priority” than the release and return of Gershkovich, Whelan and all Americans “wrongfully detained” abroad.