Several Republicans have criticized the deal under Biden, while Trump called it a “win for Putin,” telling Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo in an interview broadcast on Friday that Gershkovich “would’ve never” been taken into custody if he were president.
Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), used the prisoner exchange to boost the former president and claimed Americans were coming home because “bad guys” recognize he is “about to be back in office.”
“So they’re clearing house,” Vance told CNN earlier this week. “That’s a good thing, and I think it’s a testament to Donald Trump’s strength.”
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, in response to Vance’s comments, told the network on Friday that there’s “absolutely zero evidence” that the deal was brought about due to fear of who would be the next president.