WASHINGTON: A new book’s assertion that former President Donald Trump may have had as many as seven private phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin since leaving the White House has refocused attention on their politically fraught relationship and on Trump’s sustained dialogue with world leaders as he seeks a return to power.
It’s not surprising in and of itself that an ex-president would preserve ties with foreign counterparts. But the detail in journalist Bob Woodward’s book “War” raised eyebrows in light of a special counsel investigation during Trump’s presidency that examined potential ties between Russia and the Republican’s 2016 campaign as well as Trump’s more recent criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine as it fends off Russia’s invasion — statements that have hinted at a possible U.S. policy overhaul if he’s elected.
Both the Trump campaign and the Kremlin, which U.S. officials have said is working to influence the 2024 election in favour of Trump, denied the reporting.
Asked at a press briefing on October 9, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration would have “serious concerns” if the reported calls were true. More recently, Trump called Putin “pretty smart” for invading Ukraine and has praised Russia’s military record in historical conflicts.
