President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the U.S. does not believe the death of a Russian laboratory worker from a suspected case of plague is the result of a bioweapon. Trump mentioned he plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin, who turned 74 on Wednesday, later in the day. He noted that the call would focus on the plague-related incident.
Trump's comments were made during an Oval Office event promoting Trump Accounts, which are tax-deferred savings and investment accounts for children.
Earlier in the week, Russian media reported that nearly 200 people had been placed under medical observation in Russia's Irkutsk region due to suspected exposure to plague, following the illness and death of a female worker at an anti-plague research institute in Irkutsk.
When asked by a reporter if the plague in Russia was a bioweapon, Trump responded, "Well, we don't think so." He added, "We're going to find out soon enough. But we don't think so," referencing claims from Russian officials that the situation is under control.
Regarding his perception of Russia's communication, Trump acknowledged that, similar to the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak in China, Russia is not providing much information. He reiterated, "But they do say they have it very much under control." Trump confirmed he has a call scheduled with Putin, noting the occasion of Putin's birthday.