Trump hints at Putin talks post-presidency, dodges questions

Former US President Donald Trump declined to directly address whether he maintained contact with Vladimir Putin after his term concluded in 2021. However, he did remark that if such conversations were to occur, it would be "a smart thing."

While speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago, Trump addressed speculation regarding alleged conversations with the Russian president after leaving the White House. His response significantly differed from the position previously taken by his 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 responded, 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 regarding Trump's possible contacts with the Russian leader arose following the publication of Bob Woodward's book "Peril." According to information within the book, Trump allegedly spoke with Putin "even seven times" after his presidency concluded. The journalist cited one of the former president's advisors who provided this information.

Furthermore, the book suggests that during his presidency, Trump allegedly secretly sent COVID-19 testing machines to Russia for Vladimir Putin's personal use. While the Kremlin confirmed the equipment was sent, it denied any contact between Trump and Putin occurred after he left office.

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

During Tuesday's meeting, Trump 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 should he succeed 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.

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