During the 60 Minutes interview, Trump was asked which leader — Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping — he found more difficult to deal with. He replied:

“Both are tough. Both are smart. Both are very strong leaders. These are not people you play games with. They are serious people — strong, intelligent leaders.”

Trump’s remarks come at a time when U.S. relations with both Russia and China are being recalibrated amid rising global tensions.

Analysts: A Shift in Diplomatic Tone

Experts say Trump’s unusually respectful tone toward Putin and Xi suggests a potential change in Washington’s diplomatic approach. They argue that acknowledging the two leaders’ strength could indicate a more cautious U.S. strategy in dealing with Moscow and Beijing in the coming months.

Nuclear Disarmament for Global Security

After discussing his relationship with powerful world leaders, Trump turned to global security issues — particularly nuclear disarmament. He said reducing nuclear arsenals remains a key topic in discussions with both Russia and China.

“The reduction of nuclear weapons is no longer optional — it’s essential for global security,” Trump stated, underscoring the urgency of renewed arms control efforts.

His remarks highlight ongoing efforts among the world’s major nuclear powers to maintain strategic stability despite growing geopolitical tensions.