Did Vladimir Putin pray for Donald Trump after the assassination attempt? Unraveling the Russian connection to the U.S. president
political thriller than real life, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly took an extraordinary step following the near-fatal assassination attempt on Donald Trump in 2024. According to Trump’s chief negotiator, Steve Witkoff, Putin didn’t just express concern—he went to church to pray for Trump and even commissioned a special portrait of him from one of Russia’s leading artists. But was this a simple gesture of goodwill, or does it hint at something deeper in their relationship?
A Bullet, a Prayer, and a Portrait
The world watched in shock on July 13, 2024, as Donald Trump, then a presidential candidate, was abruptly rushed offstage during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman’s bullet grazed his ear—a split-second turn of the head likely saving his life. The 20-year-old shooter was swiftly neutralized by the Secret Service, but the attempt on Trump’s life sent ripples through global politics.
In the aftermath, Trump credited divine intervention, stating, “God prevented the unthinkable from happening.” His faith-driven resilience struck a chord with many of his supporters. But across the world, in the heart of Moscow, another powerful leader also seemed to turn to faith.
According to Witkoff, Putin was so moved by the incident that he immediately sought out his local church and met with a priest to pray for Trump—not just as a fellow head of state, but as a personal friend. If that wasn’t surprising enough, Putin also reportedly commissioned a portrait of Trump from a renowned Russian artist and later