Trump sidesteps Putin contact questions, calls it "smart" strategy

During a meeting at the Economic Club of Chicago, Trump addressed speculation about his alleged conversations with the Russian president after leaving the White House. His response significantly differed from the position previously taken by the campaign staff.

- 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 highlighted his past accomplishments as president, saying, - Russia has never had a president that they respect so much - referring to himself. When John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg, suggested that this statement might sound like confirming secret talks with Putin, Trump did not change his stance, repeating: "I don't comment on that."

Questions about Trump's possible contacts with the Russian leader were raised following the release of the book "Peril" by journalist Bob Woodward. The book suggests that Trump allegedly spoke with Putin "even seven times" after his presidency ended. The journalist cited one of the former president's advisors who provided this information.

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

Trump's stance on this issue contrasts with the response given by his staff, who stated that the allegations in Bob Woodward's book are "fabricated."

During Tuesday's meeting, which took place at approximately 1:00 PM Eastern Time, Trump also touched on other topics, including economic issues. The former president discussed the new tariffs he planned to impose on all goods imported into the United States if he succeeded in the upcoming presidential elections. Micklethwait noted that most economists, including experts consulted by the "Wall Street Journal," believe such actions would be inflationary. 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.

When faced with questions about these controversies, Trump repeatedly refused further comments on the alleged talks with Putin during the event, focusing instead on accusations against U.S. allies.