The White House is downplaying expectations for the upcoming summit between President Trump and President Putin in Alaska. Officials are now characterizing the meeting as primarily a "listening exercise." This shift in messaging suggests a more cautious approach compared to initial hopes for significant breakthroughs. Analysts speculate that the administration is tempering expectations due to ongoing domestic scrutiny of Russian interference in U.S. elections and the complex geopolitical landscape. The focus on listening implies a desire to gather information and assess Putin's perspectives before pursuing more ambitious diplomatic initiatives.