Imagine a playground where grown-ups are playing hide and seek with phones. That’s what it feels like with the reports about former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. A top US official, Jake Sullivan, said the Biden administration is clueless about these calls. Sullivan admitted these calls would be troubling if true.

Journalist Bob Woodward revealed in his book that Trump and Putin might have talked up to seven times since 2021. A Trump staffer was the source. When asked if this was true, Sullivan just didn’t know. He did say, though, that it would be worrying if there were calls happening.

The White House wouldn’t give details about checking these calls. It’s strange because we’re close to the presidential election. Sullivan usually doesn’t get involved in political talk, so this is notable.

Trump first denied the calls, saying they’re wrong. Later, he hinted it would have been clever if they had talked. The Harris campaign used this to paint Trump as a friend to tough leaders. They think it’s weak to like dictators more than the American people.

Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, also took a swing at Trump. He promised voters they wouldn’t find dictators on their speed dial.

Secret Trump-Putin Calls: Biden’s Team in the Dark, Adviser Alerts “Red Flags”

Actions