Trump’s Secret Calls with Putin and COVID-19 Aid Unveiled in New Woodward Book
In Bob Woodward’s latest book, War, shocking claims have surfaced about former President Donald Trump’s ongoing relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Woodward alleges that Trump had as many as seven private phone calls with Putin since leaving office and secretly sent COVID-19 testing machines to Russia during the height of the pandemic. These revelations are set to ignite fresh controversy.
Trump-Putin Calls Since Leaving Office
According to Woodward, Trump organized multiple private conversations with Putin from his Mar-a-Lago resort. At least one of these calls allegedly took place as recently as early 2024. An unnamed aide revealed that these calls were kept secret, a claim that has raised concerns, although the details of their discussions remain unclear.
Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, denied knowledge of these calls but did not rule out the possibility, stating, “I’d push back on that,” while noting, “I’m sure they’d know how to get in touch with each other.”
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, strongly refuted the allegations, calling Woodward’s book “the work of a truly deranged man” and dismissing the stories as entirely fabricated.
COVID-19 Test Machines Sent to Russia
A particularly startling claim in War is that Trump sent COVID-19 testing machines directly to Putin during the pandemic, a move reportedly kept quiet at Putin’s request. This revelation has sparked significant backlash, especially as Americans faced widespread shortages of tests. While it was previously reported that the U.S. administration sent ventilators and other aid to countries including Russia in 2020, this personal arrangement between Trump and Putin had remained hidden until now.
Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the move, stating in a recent interview that Trump’s actions helped “an adversary” during a time when the American public was struggling to access adequate healthcare.
Biden’s Frustration with Netanyahu and the Saudis
Woodward also details President Joe Biden’s private frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Biden’s anger over Netanyahu’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict is evident in the book, with the president reportedly accusing Netanyahu of lying and obstructing peace efforts. Additionally, Biden expressed frustration over bin Salman’s use of burner phones, adding further tension to the U.S. relationship with its Middle Eastern allies.
Biden’s Regrets Over Obama’s Handling of Crimea
In another revealing passage, Woodward reports that Biden criticized former President Barack Obama’s response to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Biden reportedly told a close friend that the Obama administration “f—– up” by not taking stronger action against Putin, lamenting that the U.S. “did nothing” to prevent the invasion.
Other Key Revelations
Woodward’s book covers several other notable moments:
- Biden regrets appointing Merrick Garland as Attorney General, particularly in light of the investigation into Hunter Biden’s finances.
- South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham compared Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to “a little bit like going to North Korea,” highlighting the loyalty shown by Trump’s inner circle.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly used burner phones labeled for key figures such as Trump and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during private communications.
War is set to be released next week, and with these revelations, it promises to fuel renewed debates on Trump’s post-presidency actions and his interactions with world leaders.