Summary
Allegations have emerged regarding former President Donald Trump’s communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin after leaving office, as detailed in journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, War. The book claims that Trump maintained contact with Putin through as many as seven phone calls since January 2021 and secretly sent him COVID-19 testing equipment during a critical shortage in 2020.
The allegations highlight Trump’s controversial relationship with Putin, which has drawn scrutiny since his presidency. Woodward’s book recounts a specific instance where Trump allegedly ordered a senior aide to leave the room at Mar-a-Lago to take a private call with Putin. Furthermore, the book suggests that during the pandemic, Trump sent Abbott Point of Care COVID-19 test machines to Putin, who requested that the delivery remain confidential to avoid backlash against Trump. In response to these claims, Trump’s campaign has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling Woodward’s reporting as fabricated and reflecting a “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The Kremlin also refuted the claims of multiple phone calls but acknowledged the shipment of testing equipment.
Key Allegations
- Communication Frequency: Woodward asserts that Trump spoke with Putin as many as seven times since leaving the White House.
- COVID-19 Testing Equipment: The book claims Trump sent rare COVID-19 test machines to Putin during a time when the U.S. was experiencing a shortage.
- Secrecy Requested by Putin: Putin allegedly instructed Trump to keep the delivery of testing equipment confidential, fearing public backlash against Trump.
Responses
- Trump Campaign’s Denial: Trump’s campaign spokesperson described Woodward as “demented” and dismissed the claims as “made-up stories.”
- Kremlin’s Reaction: Putin’s spokesperson denied the communication claims while confirming the shipment of COVID-19 testing equipment.
These allegations come amid ongoing discussions about Trump’s foreign policy stance and his relationship with Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict and his previous administration’s dealings with Putin. The book is set to be published on October 15, 2024.
Kremlin Responds to Reports Donald Trump Called Putin Seven Times
Oct. 9 / Newsweek / Newsweek focuses on the Kremlin's response, providing a balanced view by including Peskov's denial of the calls while confirming the COVID-19 testing equipment shipment, which adds an important dimension to the narrative. “ The Kremlin has rejected claims that called several times following his departure from the White House. The comments by Putin's spokesperson follow...
New book claims Trump spoke with Putin 7 times since leaving office
Oct. 9 / Cbs News / Cbs News (second entry) reiterates the main points of Woodward's book, but lacks the unique insights or detailed analysis found in other articles, making it less compelling for those seeking a deeper understanding. “ New book claims Trump spoke with Putin 7 times since leaving office A new book from veteran journalist Bob Woodward claims former President Donald Trump has...
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Oct. 8 / The Hill / The Hill presents a clear rejection of the allegations from Trump's campaign, effectively summarizing their response while leaving readers wanting more context about the implications of these claims. “ Former President Trump’s campaign is rejecting accounts in journalist Bob Woodward’s new book that the Republican presidential nominee held multiple phone...
Oct. 8 / Google News / Google News offers a straightforward report that aggregates information from various sources, making it a convenient option for readers who want a quick snapshot of the allegations without deep analysis. “ Trump spoke to Putin as many as 7 times since leaving office, Bob Woodward reports in new book The Associated PressTrump secretly sent covid tests to Putin...
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Oct. 9 / Cbs News / Cbs News provides a succinct overview of the allegations, highlighting key claims from Woodward's book while including reactions from Trump and Kamala Harris, making it informative for readers seeking a quick summary. “ Book reveals details about relationship between Trump and Putin In the book "War," veteran journalist Bob Woodard cites a Trump aide that says there were as...
Trump called Putin ‘as many as seven’ times since he left the White House: new book
Oct. 8 / New York Post / Olivia Land's piece in the New York Post adds depth by detailing specific interactions between Trump and Putin, including a private call incident, which enhances the narrative with personal anecdotes that engage the reader. “ Former President Donald Trump has supposedly called Russian President Vladimir Putin “as many as seven” times since he left the White House less than four...
Trump Secretly Stayed In Contact With Putin After Leaving Office, Upcoming Bob Woodward Book Alleges
Oct. 8 / Benzinga / Benzinga's report emphasizes Woodward's credibility and quotes from Trump’s camp denying the allegations, effectively presenting both sides of the story while contextualizing the implications for the upcoming election. “ An upcoming book from journalist Bob Woodward alleges that Ex-President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken as many as seven times...
Trump Secretly Gave Putin Covid Tests During Shortage, Book Says
Oct. 8 / Rolling Stone / Rolling Stone critiques Trump's actions within the broader context of his presidency, framing the allegations as part of a troubling pattern, which could resonate with readers concerned about national security. “ Donald Trump ‘s political persona is based around putting the United States first. The pitch, as with just about everything the former president claims he...
Trump spoke with Putin at least seven times since leaving White House, Bob Woodward reports
Oct. 8 / Independent / The Independent captures the essence of Woodward's reporting and includes reactions from Trump’s camp, but the tone may lean towards sensationalism, which could detract from the article's overall seriousness. “ Donald Trump has reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin as many as seven times since leaving the White House. A new book from journalist Bob...