Statements from foreign governments or international organizations

Trump Sent COVID Tests and Machines to Putin During 2020 Shortage, Had Seven Post-Presidency Calls

Oct 8, 2024, 02:41 PM

Former President Donald Trump secretly sent COVID-19 tests and testing machines to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2020 shortage, according to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward. The book also reveals that Trump has had as many as seven phone conversations with Putin since leaving office in 2021. These interactions occurred while the United States faced a severe shortage of COVID-19 tests, highlighting the secretive nature of Trump's actions. Putin reportedly requested that Trump keep the test shipments confidential to avoid public backlash. The revelations have raised concerns about the nature of Trump’s post-presidency communications with foreign leaders and potential violations of the Logan Act. Additionally, Trump’s actions come amid his efforts to block military aid to Ukraine.