Donald Trump’s evasive responses about his post-office communications with Vladimir Putin have reignited controversy over his relationship with the Russian leader. During a Chicago economic forum on Tuesday, when asked directly about the claims that he has spoken with Putin multiple times since leaving office, Trump sidestepped, saying, “I don’t comment on that, but I will tell you that if I did, it is a smart thing.”
The allegation, highlighted in Bob Woodward’s new book War, suggests that Trump has maintained frequent contact with Putin, with unnamed sources claiming at least seven post-presidency conversations. Notably, the book also alleges that Trump sent COVID-19 testing equipment to Russia during the early days of the pandemic—a claim confirmed by the Kremlin. Trump’s campaign has since denied the claims, though Trump himself seemed to defend the notion of maintaining ties with Putin, saying, “If I have a relationship with people, that’s a good thing, not a bad thing,” citing the nuclear capabilities of both nations.
Further raising eyebrows, Trump has repeatedly claimed he would end the Ukraine-Russia war “on day one” of his presidency, even suggesting he could achieve peace before taking office if elected. His statements have fueled Ukrainian concerns that Trump might cut off military support, forcing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, potentially at the cost of ceding territory.
Woodward’s book was published Tuesday, and its revelations continue to stoke the debate over Trump’s foreign relations, especially with regard to the ongoing Ukraine crisis and his controversial relationship with Putin.
