Donald Trump’s critique of Britney Griner prison swap met with scorn from fans: "You let Taliban go"

Former President Donald Trump ruffled some feathers this week with his comments about the Brittney Griner prison swap. He was speaking during a podcast interview with Logan Paul.

Fans and political commentators were quick to take to X on Monday to criticize Trump for his comments, many of which pointed out inconsistencies in his stance.

A fan, clearly unhappy with his remarks, took to X to express their disapproval, saying:

"You let Taliban go but Brittney deserved to stay in prison????"

The podcast episode, which aired on June 14, featured Trump discussing various political and social issues with YouTuber-turned-boxer Logan Paul.

While talking about how arms dealers are causing losses for the US, Trump criticized the Biden administration for the swap of Griner for an arms dealer, saying:

"The basketball player that wouldn't uh stand up during the national anthem. She thought that was a good time to tie sneakers, and that was not exactly the greatest trade, but he gave six billion dollars on top of everything, billion with a 'B', and they don't know and they don't know what they're doing." [29:34]

Fans didn't hold back after hearing Trump's comments about Britney Griner and showcased their disappointment:

"Trump released 5000 Taliban terrorists, including their leader. he received nothing in return. i guess he’s never made a deal in his life. a fraud," said a fan.

"Who are these smug douches kissing Trump’s ass?" wrote @gailendavid.

Some fans accused the former President of being racist toward Griner, while a few believe that Trump's support will only grow with criticism directed at him.

"Of course the racist, homophobic Trump thinks Brittney Griner should have been left in Russia. Disgusting," said one fan.

"Maybe you need to stop posting. Trump keeps surging. The Democrats have totally lost touch with the people. They are angry and fed up with all of the nonsense and lies," wrote another fan.

"You traded one of the deadliest arms dealers back to Russia, which is now invading Ukraine," one fan said, criticizing not the former President but the current regime.

The country is bitterly divided politically, and this shows in the varied opinions of people on X. However, as of now, the anti-Trump camp seems a little more vocal.

Brittney Griner opens up about suicidal thoughts during russian prison time

In February 2022, two-time Olympic gold medalist and center for the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on drug charges. It happened as the US and Russia were going through a rocky patch in relations.

Her arrest prompted an outpouring of demands for her release by the sports community as well as from outside.

Griner's release was ultimately negotiated by the Biden administration in return for the convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States.

Brittney Griner talked at length about the horrifying episode when she opened up to Robin Roberts on ABC's 20/20. She revealed that there was a time when she thought about killing herself.

"I was just so scared," Griner said. "Just didn't think I could get through what I needed to get through."

The whole basketball world rejoiced and celebrated her return as Griner made her way back. She has returned to her playing career with the Phoenix Mercury and thanked those who worked to free her.