Trump slams reported plan to exchange Griner, Whelan for arms dealer

What they're saying: Trump blamed Griner for her detention, repeatedly saying Griner went to Russia "loaded up with drugs."

• "They’re very vigilant about drugs. They don’t like drugs. And she got caught. And now we’re supposed to get her out," Trump said.
• "We’re supposed to get her out for an absolute killer and one of the biggest arms dealers in the world. Killed many Americans. Killed many people. And he’s gonna get a free card and we’re gonna get her," Trump said, referring to Bout.
• "She knew you don’t go in there loaded up with drugs, and she admitted it. I assume she admitted it without too much force because it is what it is, and it certainly doesn’t seem like a very good trade, does it?"
• "He’s absolutely one of the worst in the world, and he’s going to be given his freedom because a potentially spoiled person goes into Russia loaded up with drugs," Trump said.

The big picture: Griner, who has been imprisoned since February, pleaded guilty earlier this month to drug charges in Russia that carry up to 10 years in prison.

• However, Griner said that there was "no intent" to break the law by bringing vape cartridges containing hashish oil into Russia.
• Griner's lawyers also earlier this month told a Russian court that doctors in the U.S. prescribed Griner medical cannabis two years ago for chronic pain.