Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly had at least seven conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin since his departure from the White House. Journalist Bob Woodward’s new book reveals details of these interactions, shedding light on President Joe Biden’s strong reactions to Putin’s actions in Ukraine and Israel.
Woodward’s book, titled “War,” discusses Trump’s relationship with Putin, including instances where Trump dismissed his aides to have private calls. The book suggests multiple phone conversations between the two leaders since Trump’s exit from office in 2021. Chief Trump aide Jason Miller seemed hesitant when asked about these calls, indicating he was unaware of any such communication.
Regarding the alleged conversations, Biden’s Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, was cautious in her response to Woodward, suggesting she couldn’t confirm all interactions between Trump and Putin. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has vehemently denied Woodward’s claims, calling him names and discrediting his reporting as false.
While the book doesn’t detail the content of the Trump-Putin conversations, it highlights their impact on Woodward’s portrayal of Trump as a reckless and impulsive figure. Woodward, known for his role in exposing Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal, also reports that Trump had sent COVID-19 test machines to Putin during the pandemic, with the Russian president requesting the matter be kept discreet.
Woodward’s book is set for publication on October 15, promising further revelations about Trump’s interactions with Putin. The ongoing developments underscore the enduring interest in the ties between the two leaders and their implications for international relations.