Trump promoter slams Witkoff and Vance as 'American traitors' over Putin praise

American promoter Lou Di Bella sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's administration, calling Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance "American traitors" after Witkoff praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanist" during talks in St. Petersburg. Di Bella posted on X a video of Vance supporting Witkoff's remarks and wrote, "American traitors. There's no other way to say it. To hell with the Trump administration, Epstein, and Putin." Witkoff made the comment on October 21 during negotiations, shortly after the release of American citizen Gabbard, who had been held by Russia for over four years on a "mercenary" conviction. The envoy's words also drew criticism from Trump's own party members. Senator Tom Tillis called them shameful and outrageous, suggesting Witkoff ask families of Ukrainian children abducted and killed by Russia whether they consider Putin a humanist. Senator John Cornyn called Putin a cold-blooded killer, and Congressman Don Bacon labeled the statement another disgrace.