WASHINGTON (AP) — In his upcoming book “War,” renowned journalist Bob Woodward reveals that former President Donald Trump has had up to seven private phone conversations with Vladimir Putin since exiting the presidency. Additionally, he reportedly sent COVID-19 test machines to the Russian president during the peak of the pandemic.
The Associated Press has secured an early copy of Woodward’s book, which also outlines President Joe Biden’s frustrations concerning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including their use of burner phones. The book is slated for release next week.
Private Communications with Putin
According to Woodward’s findings, Trump made a private call to Putin in early 2024 while at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, after asking an aide to leave the room. The aide, who remains unnamed, noted that Trump communicated with Putin multiple times since leaving office, with the total reaching as many as seven calls. The book does not specify the subjects they discussed during these calls.
Jason Miller, a senior advisor and long-time associate of Trump, expressed skepticism about the claims of Trump’s calls with Putin, stating, “I’d push back on that,” yet conceded that both individuals likely know how to reach one another.
Trump, in an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, dismissed Woodward’s allegations, labeling the journalist as “a storyteller” who has “lost his marbles.”
COVID-19 Test Machines Sent to Putin
The book also claims that during the initial spread of COVID-19 in 2020, Trump sent test machines to Putin for his personal use. Although Putin advised Trump to keep this a secret to avoid backlash, Trump reportedly didn’t mind if it became known and ultimately agreed to keep it under wraps.
While the exact timing of the delivery isn’t mentioned, it coincided with a period when the virus was rapidly escalating in Russia. Earlier reports by The Associated Press indicated that Trump’s administration sent medical supplies, including ventilators, to several countries, including Russia, in May 2020.
In response to these revelations, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Trump in a recent interview, accusing him of secretly aiding a “murderous dictator” during a crisis when Americans were desperately trying to obtain tests.
Biden’s Strained Relationship with Netanyahu
Woodward’s book also sheds light on Biden’s tumultuous relationship with Netanyahu, providing accounts of Biden losing his temper over the Israel-Hamas war earlier this year. Describing one outburst, Biden reportedly labeled Netanyahu a “son of a bitch” and referred to him disparagingly, feeling misled by the Israeli leader as he continually promised to eliminate Hamas.
Despite their long acquaintanceship, Biden and Netanyahu have not been particularly close. Recently, Biden expressed uncertainty about whether Netanyahu was intentionally obstructing a Middle East peace deal to sway the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
A White House spokesperson, Emilie Simons, responded to the book’s assertions by affirming the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to Israel, emphasizing that Biden and Netanyahu maintain an honest and direct relationship.
Biden Critiques Obama Over Crimea
In another segment of the book, Biden reflects critically on President Barack Obama’s handling of the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea, stating, “They f—– up in 2014,” asserting that the administration failed to take Putin seriously. Biden expressed frustration about allowing Russia to invade without any response, revealing his feelings of anger during a conversation with a friend.
Biden’s Regrets Over Attorney General Appointment
Woodward chronicles Biden’s private dissatisfaction with his choice of Attorney General Merrick Garland, particularly regarding Garland’s decision to appoint a special counsel to investigate Biden’s son, Hunter, for tax and firearms charges. Biden allegedly remarked, “Should never have picked Garland,” indicating his displeasure with the situation.
Hunter Biden has recently faced legal challenges, having been convicted on federal gun charges and awaiting sentencing on related matters.
Graham’s Criticism of Trump’s Inner Circle
Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time ally of Trump, remarked that Trump’s persistent false claims about the 2020 election results have created a “cult of personality” among his followers in Mar-a-Lago, which he compared to “going to North Korea.” He noted the environment where “everybody stands up and claps” upon Trump’s arrival.
Furthermore, Woodward described how Graham, during a recent meeting with the Saudi crown prince, witnessed the retrieval of a burner phone labeled ‘TRUMP 45’ for a call to Trump, highlighting Trump’s ongoing connection with foreign leaders through unofficial channels.
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This report was contributed by journalists from the Associated Press, including Hillel Italie in New York, Eric Tucker, Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, and Aamer Madhani aboard Air Force One.
