WorldLIVE REPORT

Putin makes Trump dance as his useful Muppet

A Washington Examiner opinion column argues Putin holds Trump in disdain, citing an alleged assassination plot in the D.C. suburbs; it is opinion, not a ruling.

On air: Hank Ledger on BBN Newsroom
Published 1:54 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Washington Examiner: “Putin makes Trump dance as his useful Muppet”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 1:54 PM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: Putin, Trump.
BBN covered this story before: Trump hands Putin wins; Ukraine drones hit Saratov (October 14).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Washington ExaminerPutin makes Trump dance as his useful Muppet

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA Washington Examiner opinion column says Vladimir Putin treats Donald Trump like a useful Muppet.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSkip Waverly is outside a puppet theater in Washington to see how that plays.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentHank, I'm standing outside a puppet theater in Washington, and behind me you can see a felt frog on a sandwich board looking very concerned about the columnist's word choice.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentThe column argues Trump believes Putin respects him, while Putin has shown disdain, most recently through what the writer calls an assassination plot in the Washington suburbs.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThat's the columnist's claim, and it's opinion. Do we have anyone who can speak to the strings?
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentJust a man selling pretzels, Hank, and he says he's neutral on strings but strongly against the theater's parking.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNeutral on strings.
Skip Waverly · Field CorrespondentAnd to be clear for viewers, the column is opinion, and the only Muppet I can confirm today is the one by the curb.