Former President Donald Trump declined to confirm whether he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving office, as reported in journalist Bob Woodward's latest book. The book alleges that Trump had multiple private phone calls with Putin and even sent COVID-19 test machines to Russia during the pandemic.
During an interview, Trump was asked directly about his communication with Putin but chose not to comment on the matter. However, he emphasized that maintaining relationships with world leaders like Putin could be beneficial for the United States.
Trump highlighted his positive relationships with authoritarian leaders such as Putin, North Korea's Kim Jong Un, and China's President Xi. He praised Putin's standing in Russia, stating that the country has never respected a president as much as him.
Woodward's book mentioned a private call between Trump and Putin in early 2024, with the possibility of multiple calls post-Trump's presidency. However, both Trump's spokesperson and the Kremlin denied the accuracy of these claims.
Trump's interactions with Putin have faced scrutiny since his 2016 campaign, where he made controversial statements regarding Russia's involvement in the election. Despite this, Trump has consistently shown admiration for Putin and his leadership.
In the interview, Trump also avoided committing to a peaceful transfer of power if he were to lose an election. He defended the aftermath of the 2020 election as peaceful, despite the violent events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The ongoing speculation surrounding Trump's relationship with Putin and his stance on democratic principles continues to draw attention and debate.
