In a recent interview at the Economic Club of Chicago, former President Donald Trump was questioned about his communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as detailed in journalist Bob Woodward’s latest book, War.
Woodward claims that Trump has had as many as seven private phone calls with Putin since leaving office and even facilitated the sending of COVID-19 test machines to Russia during the height of the pandemic. Despite these assertions, Trump’s campaign spokesperson has previously denied any such communications, indicating continued tension around the topic.
When Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait directly asked Trump whether he had spoken with Putin since his presidency, Trump declined to confirm or deny the claim.
Instead, he suggested that if he had indeed communicated with Putin, it would be a “smart thing” for the United States, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relationships with foreign leaders, even those deemed controversial. His remarks highlighted Trump’s belief that fostering diplomacy can benefit the nation, regardless of the political climate.
Trump Addresses Alleged Putin Conversations, Declines to Confirm Claims from Woodward’s Book
Throughout the interview, Trump also commented on Putin’s popularity in Russia, claiming he enjoys significant respect among his constituents. He further stated that he has had productive relationships with other authoritarian leaders, such as Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un.
By framing these relationships positively, Trump reinforced his long-standing view that engaging with such leaders is advantageous for U.S. foreign policy, despite the geopolitical challenges posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its accusations of war crimes.
Woodward’s book also reports an instance where Trump requested an aide to leave his presence so he could speak privately with Putin, suggesting ongoing interactions between the two leaders. However, both Trump’s spokesperson and Kremlin representatives have disputed Woodward’s claims, labeling them as false.
This dismissal reflects the complexities surrounding Trump’s ties to Russia, a subject that has faced scrutiny since his 2016 campaign and subsequent presidency, particularly regarding allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections.
In a further twist during the interview, Trump was asked whether he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the upcoming election. He asserted that a peaceful transfer occurred after the 2020 election, despite the violent insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Micklethwait challenged this assertion, arguing that the U.S. transfer of power was more peaceful compared to other nations like Venezuela. This exchange underscores the persistent controversies surrounding election integrity and Trump’s narratives about voter fraud.
