Trump hints at post-presidency chats with Putin amid tensions

Former US President Donald Trump declined to directly answer whether he maintained contact with Vladimir Putin after his term ended in 2021. However, he mentioned that if such talks had taken place, "it would be a smart thing."

At a meeting of the Economic Club of Chicago, Trump addressed speculation about his alleged conversations with the Russian president after leaving the White House. His response was notably different from the stance previously taken by his campaign team.

"I don't comment on that, but I will tell you that if I did, it's a smart thing. If I'm friendly with people, if I have a relationship with people, that's a good thing, not a bad thing, in terms of a country. He's got 2,000 nuclear weapons, and so do we," Trump replied, referring to relations with Russia.

Trump also emphasised his prior accomplishments as president. - Russia has never had a president that they respect so much - the candidate proclaimed, alluding to himself. When John Micklethwait, editor-in-chief of Bloomberg, suggested that this statement might sound like an admission of secret talks with Putin, Trump remained steadfast, repeating: "I don't comment on that."

Questions about Trump's potential contacts with the Russian leader were raised after the publication of the book "Rage" by journalist Bob Woodward. According to the information in the book, Trump allegedly spoke with Putin "even seven times" after his presidency. The journalist cited one of the former president's advisors who provided this information.

Additionally, the book suggests that during his presidency, Trump secretly sent COVID-19 testing machines to Russia for Vladimir Putin's private use. While the Kremlin confirmed the transfer of the equipment, it denied any contacts between Trump and Putin after he left office.

Trump's stance on this issue contrasts with his team's response, which claimed the allegations in Bob Woodward's book are "fabricated."

During Tuesday's meeting, Trump also broached other topics, including economic issues. The former president discussed his proposed new tariffs on all goods imported to the United States, should he win the upcoming presidential elections. Micklethwait noted that most economists — including experts surveyed by "The Wall Street Journal" — believe such actions would cause inflation. To this, Trump replied, "What is The Wall Street Journal? They've been wrong about everything. So have you, by the way"

The politician also conveyed discontent with US trade policy toward allies, criticizing European nations for taking advantage of the United States. He claimed that these countries treat the US unfairly in trade and military matters while still receiving support, emphasizing that this situation cannot continue.

In response to questions about these controversies, Trump repeatedly declined to comment further on the alleged talks with Putin during the event, focusing instead on his accusations against US allies.