A journalist and political commentator stunned a former communications head for President Donald Trump after boldly predicting Trump would have Russian President Vladimir Putin arrested for being a "war criminal" during a high-stakes summit in Alaska.
Trump met Friday afternoon with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss ending the invasion of Ukraine.
Mark Halperin, known for his work as a political analyst and correspondent for ABC News, but who was ousted from multiple media outlets over accusations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, raised eyebrows Friday with his prediction to Sean Spicer, former White House communications director during Trump's term.
"Serious question," he began. "What's the percent chance that the United States arrests Putin today?" he asked Dan Turrentine.
Turrentine replied with a flat, "Zero."
"Zero?" Halperin confirmed. "Sean?"
"Zero," replied Spicer.
"Ok, when it happens, we'll post this moment," Halperin replied.
Before he could move on, Spicer appeared stunned.
"Wait, do you disagree?" he asked.
"Oh no, I think they're going to arrest him," Halperin replied. "I think they're going to arrest him. I think that's the whole thing is to trick him into coming to the U.S., is they're going to arrest him. "
Watch the clip below or at this link.
“I think they’re going to arrest him.” Mark Halperin predicts Trump will have Putin arrested today in Alaska for being a war criminal. Note: Halperin’s record of predicting in advance what’s going to happen with the Trump administration has been remarkably accurate. pic.twitter.com/KTdf97eQ1Z
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) August 15, 2025