Trump says 'we don't think' Russian plague is bio-weapon

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the death of a Russian plague laboratory worker on Wednesday, stating that it did not seem to be linked to a biological weapon. "We don't think so," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about potential bio-weapon involvement. Russia had previously warned against false information in light of emerging reports of a second suspected case.

Both the U.S. and the UN have urged Russia to be more transparent about the situation. Trump noted that Russia claimed to have the situation under control, but expressed skepticism, citing a lack of detailed information. He echoed comments made about China's response to the Covid pandemic, where China also initially provided minimal information while claiming control.

Trump also mentioned that both Russia and China claimed to have the situation under control, but added that their responses were not as forthcoming as he would like. Trump reiterated his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the issue, but declined to disclose the timing of the call. The president noted that today is Vladimir Putin's birthday.