Summary
Bob Woodward’s new book, War, reveals significant and controversial details regarding former President Donald Trump’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among the claims, Woodward alleges that Trump secretly sent COVID-19 testing machines to Putin during the early days of the pandemic and maintained communication with him through multiple private phone calls after leaving office.
The book suggests that Trump provided these testing machines at a time when the U.S. was experiencing severe shortages, raising questions about his priorities during the health crisis. Woodward reports that Trump and Putin have spoken as many as seven times since Trump left office, with one instance occurring in early 2024 when Trump reportedly asked an aide to leave the room to discuss matters privately with Putin. The Kremlin has confirmed the shipment of COVID tests but denied the allegations regarding the phone calls. Trump’s campaign has dismissed Woodward’s claims as fabrications, labeling the journalist as “demented” and his book as “trash.” This controversy adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s ties to Russia, particularly in light of the geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Key Revelations from War
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COVID-19 Testing Machines: Woodward claims Trump sent Abbott Point of Care COVID-19 test machines to Putin for his personal use in 2020, with Putin allegedly requesting that Trump keep this shipment confidential to avoid backlash against the former U.S. president.
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Continued Communication: The book details that Trump may have held up to seven private conversations with Putin since leaving the White House, which is unusual for a former president, especially in the context of ongoing U.S.-Russia tensions.
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Kremlin Response: While the Kremlin confirmed the receipt of COVID testing machines, it refuted claims about the frequency of phone calls between Trump and Putin, describing those allegations as untrue.
Political Implications
The revelations in War have sparked significant political discourse, with critics, including Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, arguing that Trump’s actions are disqualifying for a presidential candidate. They assert that sending critical medical supplies to a foreign leader during a domestic crisis reflects poorly on Trump’s judgment and priorities. The ongoing debate about Trump’s relationship with Putin and its implications for U.S. foreign policy continues to be a focal point as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Bob Woodward's War: the explosive Trump revelations
Oct. 11 / The Week / Discusses the implications of Trump's actions through the lens of Woodward's authoritative voice, adding weight to the revelations. The article effectively captures the political stakes involved in this ongoing saga. “ A new book from Watergate's veteran journalist Bob Woodward has made a series of shock claims about former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump....
Kremlin confirms reports Donald Trump sent Vladimir Putin Covid tests
Oct. 10 / The Guardian / Covers Trump's interactions with Putin and the secrecy of the COVID test shipment, effectively clarifying the significance of the allegations. The straightforward writing aids reader comprehension of the unfolding controversy. “ Russian president’s spokesperson confirms tests were sent by Trump at a time there were shortages in the US
Trump kept up with Putin, sent Covid tests, book says
Oct. 9 / The Week / Offers a concise overview of Trump's interactions with Putin post-presidency, emphasizing the unusual nature of these communications. The inclusion of Biden's frustrations adds depth to the political landscape discussed. “ What happened Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin several times after leaving office and sent him scarce Covid-19 testing machines for his personal use at...
Kremlin refutes Trump denial on sending Putin COVID testing equipment
Oct. 9 / Axios / Details Trump's alleged COVID test shipment to Putin, emphasizing the ethical implications during a health crisis. The article effectively contextualizes the claims within the broader narrative of U.S.-Russia relations. “ The Kremlin on Wednesday confirmed a report that former President Trump sent Russian President Vladimir Putin COVID-19 testing equipment during the height of...
Kremlin refutes Trump denial on sending Putin COVID testing equipment
Oct. 9 / Axios / Highlights the Kremlin's confirmation of Trump's COVID test shipment while denying the frequency of calls, presenting a clear overview of the conflicting narratives. The reporting is straightforward and concise. “ The Kremlin on Wednesday confirmed a report that former President Trump sent Russian President Vladimir Putin COVID-19 testing equipment during the height of...
Trump ‘let Americans die’ By secretly handing COVID testing machines to Putin: Senator
Oct. 9 / Raw Story / Offers a strong condemnation from Senator Murphy, framing Trump's actions as ethically disqualifying. The emotional weight of the language underscores the political ramifications, making it a compelling piece for discourse. “ A leading Democratic U.S. Senator is calling Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s alleged handing over of COVID testing machines to Russian...
Kremlin reportedly says Trump sent Covid testing machines to Putin during pandemic
Oct. 9 / Nbc News / Presents a summary of the Kremlin's confirmation regarding the COVID tests, enhancing the credibility of Woodward's claims. However, it lacks deeper insights into the implications, missing an opportunity for analysis. “ The Kremlin reportedly said former President Trump sent Covid testing devices to Russian President Putin early in the pandemic. Journalist Bob Woodward first...
Trump ‘let Americans die’ By secretly handing COVID testing machines to Putin: Senator
Oct. 9 / Raw Story / Features a strong condemnation from Senator Murphy, framing Trump's actions as ethically disqualifying. The emotional language used underscores the political ramifications, making it a compelling piece for discourse. “ A leading Democratic U.S. Senator is calling Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s alleged handing over of COVID testing machines to Russian...
Trump spoke to Putin as many as 7 times since leaving office, Bob Woodward reports in new book
Oct. 8 / Abc News / Highlights Woodward's claims about Trump's secret communications with Putin and the COVID test shipment, providing a clear summary of the allegations. The straightforward writing enhances understanding of the controversy. “ WASHINGTON -- WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has had as many as seven private phone calls with Vladimir Putin since leaving office and secretly sent the...
Donald Trump sent Putin Covid test machines during height of pandemic, Kremlin says
Oct. 9 / Daily Express Us / Presents a broad overview of Woodward's revelations, linking them to larger questions about Trump's ties to Russia. The authoritative perspective provides context, though it could benefit from deeper analysis. “ The Kremlin has said former US president Donald Trump sent Russian leader Vladimir Putin Covid-19 test machines for his personal use during the height of the...
Trump Really Did Send Putin COVID Gifts, Kremlin Confirms
Oct. 9 / The Daily Beast / The Kremlin's partial confirmation of Woodward's claims, while denying the phone calls, provides a nuanced perspective on the ongoing Trump-Putin relationship, emphasizing the political stakes ahead of the election. “ Donald Trump ’s morning is surely off to an angry start Wednesday as Russia responds to reports of a special (and ongoing) relationship between the...
Natural disasters leave fertile ground for MAGA’s exploitation
Oct. 10 / Salon / Addresses the ethical ramifications of Trump's COVID test shipment, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The strong language used effectively conveys the urgency of the political discourse surrounding the claims. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email It has been an interesting and tiresome week in the news. Time to recap. Donald Trump made loving phone calls to...
Trump gifted Putin a COVID test machine early in pandemic, book claims
Oct. 9 / Cbs News / Presents a broad overview of Woodward's revelations, linking them to larger questions about Trump's ties to Russia. The authoritative perspective provides a compelling context, though it could benefit from deeper analysis. “ In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then-President Donald Trump sent Russian President Vladimir Putin a COVID-19 test machine, according to...
Trump secretly sent Putin COVID-19 tests during pandemic shortage, a new book reports
Oct. 8 / Npr / Vice President Harris's strong critique of Trump's actions adds a political dimension to Woodward's revelations, highlighting the ethical implications of sending COVID tests to Putin during a crisis. “ Vice President Harris is criticizing Donald Trump following new reporting by the journalist Bob Woodward that the former president secretly shared COVID-19...
New book says Trump secretly sent COVID tests to Putin
Oct. 8 / Voanews / Examines Trump's relationship with Putin, emphasizing the secrecy of the COVID test shipment. Woodward's authoritative voice adds credibility, making this a particularly compelling entry in the discussion. “ Then-president Donald Trump secretly sent COVID test kits to Vladimir Putin despite a U.S. shortage during the pandemic, and spoke multiple times with the...