Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) on Wednesday forcefully rejected the characterization of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” by President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, calling the Russian leader “an evil killer” and vowing he would rather die in a Russian prison than have someone praise Putin on his behalf.
“Humanitarian wouldn’t be one of the first ten million words I’d think of to describe Vladimir Putin. He is anything but a humanitarian,” Cramer said when asked about Witkoff’s remarks, which came after Putin announced the release of Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old American who had been held in Russia for four years and was considered wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.
Cramer acknowledged that Witkoff, as a diplomat, has a “different job” than he does as a senator, but he did not soften his assessment of Putin. “He’s as bad as it gets,” Cramer said, adding that while “the release of an American is a big deal,” the praise was unacceptable.
“All I can say is if I’m ever captured by Vladimir Putin, I’d rather die in a prison in Russia than have somebody on my behalf refer to Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian,” Cramer declared. He added, with a touch of levity, “That said, I don’t plan to go to Russia anytime soon.”
Witkoff, who has been a key negotiator in the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the release of detained Americans, met with Putin in St. Petersburg last week. After Hubbard’s release was announced, Witkoff told Putin, “You talk so much about my president, President Trump, being a humanitarian. You are a humanitarian also, sir, and I salute that, I commend you, and I thank you again.”
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from within the Republican Party, adding to tensions as the GOP navigates a contentious midterm season. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) took to social media to express his outrage, posting on X: “WTF, Steve? Look up the definition of ‘humanitarian.’ What an embarrassing and outrageous thing to say. You should go back to Ukraine and ask the families of the children Putin has kidnapped and murdered whether they agree your friend Putin is a ‘humanitarian.’”
The episode underscores the delicate balance Trump’s envoys face as they negotiate with Moscow, particularly as the administration has faced bipartisan scrutiny over its approach to Russia, including a controversial pause on sanctions tied to Hubbard’s release. Critics argue that praising Putin undermines U.S. credibility and emboldens the Kremlin, while supporters say such diplomacy is necessary to secure the freedom of Americans held abroad.
Cramer’s remarks reflect a broader unease among some Republicans who worry that the administration’s rhetoric toward Putin could become a political liability. As the GOP braces for tough midterm contests, the fallout from Witkoff’s comments could resonate beyond foreign policy circles, especially as the sanctions pause has already drawn fire from both parties.
For now, the White House has not distanced itself from Witkoff’s characterization, but the backlash from within the president’s own party suggests that Putin’s actions in Ukraine and elsewhere remain a flashpoint in American politics. As one Republican strategist put it, “Calling Putin a humanitarian is not just a diplomatic gaffe—it’s a political gift to Democrats.”
