Former President Donald Trump recently addressed questions regarding his communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving office in 2021. While Trump did not confirm or deny speaking with Putin, he suggested that it would be a 'smart thing' if he had done so.
This statement comes in contrast to his previous denial of journalist Bob Woodward's claims in a new book that he had engaged in multiple phone calls with Putin post his White House tenure. Trump had dismissed these reports as 'absolutely wrong' in an interview with Newsmax.
During an interview at the Chicago Economic Club with Bloomberg, Trump was asked directly about his interactions with Putin. He chose not to provide a definitive answer but emphasized the potential benefits of maintaining relationships with world leaders, stating that having friendly ties is advantageous for a country.
Trump's admiration for Putin is well-documented, with the former president consistently praising the Russian leader. He has notably taken Putin's side over the US intelligence community regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump's comments on the Trump-Putin relationship have sparked further interest in the dynamics between the two leaders and their ongoing interactions. Despite the lack of a clear confirmation, Trump's acknowledgment of the potential advantages of communication with Putin has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation.