Former President Donald Trump has reportedly broken his silence about the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner. Trump called out President Joe Biden and his administration for the swap deal to bring the Phoenix Mercury star back to the country. Trump condemned the release of “the merchant of death” to free Griner who he labeled as someone who “openly hates” the country. Furthermore, he questioned the decision to not include former marine Paul Whelan in the deal.

Griner was arrested in February at the airport in Moscow for carrying small amounts of cannabis oil. After months of negotiation between the two countries, she was recently released in exchange for Viktor Bout. Since her detainment, many celebrities have shown support and pleaded with the government to bring her back.

Donald Trump slams the prisoner exchange deal

Donald Trump did not like the idea of giving up Viktor Bout for Brittney Griner. He reiterated his feelings on Griner’s release on his social media website Truth Social. “What kind of a deal is it to swap Brittney Griner, a basketball player who openly hates our country for the man known as “The Merchant of Death,” who is one of the biggest arms dealers anywhere in the World, and responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and horrific injuries,”? Trump wrote.

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“Why wasn’t former Marine Paul Whelan included in this totally one-sided transaction? He would have been let out for the asking. What a “stupid” and unpatriotic embarrassment for the USA!!!”

With his “openly hates” the country claim, Trump is possibly referring to Griner’s protest and comments on the national anthem before WNBA games in 2020. He slammed the decision to not use Paul Whelan in the deal as well.

Brittney Griner released

Brittney Griner was reportedly released on Thursday in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. President Joe Biden stated that Griner was safe and was on a plane home. He added she would be back with her loved ones. Also, he expressed his regret about Paul Whelan. He added that the administration will not give up on securing his release.

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While the government stated that they are in negotiations to bring back both Griner and Whelan, a few days back, there were reports claiming Russia wants a one-for-one swap. Casting a huge shadow over the freedom of Whelan. The former marine has been in captivity since December 2018. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has refused to answer but the reports are seemingly true.