Former President Donald Trump was intent on forging a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his tenure, despite Russia’s interference in US elections and objections from his advisors, claims national security advisor during Trump’s tenure HR McMaster in his new book.
HR McMaster, a retired lieutenant general, served as Trump’s national security adviser from February 2017.In his memoir, he reveals that discussions about Russia with Trump were challenging from the outset. He recounts a conversation with his wife in March 2018: “After over a year in this job, I cannot understand Putin’s hold on Trump.”
McMaster also asserted that Trump consistently linked discussions involving Russia to the federal investigation into Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 election and alleged connections with his campaign, according to AFP’s report.
US officials have indicated that foreign powers, including Russia and Iran, aim to interfere in the upcoming November election, where Republican Trump is running against Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris.
McMaster described Trump as “overconfident” and eager to improve relations with Russia through a personal connection with Putin. He contends that Putin, “a ruthless former KGB operator,” exploited Trump’s “ego and insecurities through flattery”.
“Trump had revealed his vulnerability to this approach, his affinity for strongmen and his belief that he alone could forge a good relationship with Putin,” McMaster states.
The book recounts numerous instances of tension between McMaster and Trump over Putin, ultimately leading to McMaster’s dismissal.
Before Trump called Putin, McMaster warned him against the potential misuse of the conversation by the Kremlin to legitimize Russia’s election and bolster its image claiming the polls were rigged. He reportedly asked Trump, “As Russia tries to delegitimize our legitimate elections, why would you help him legitimize his illegitimate election?”
Despite the warnings, Trump called Putin, congratulated him, and suggested inviting the Russian president to the White House.
McMaster believes Trump’s opposition to him stemmed from McMaster being “the principal voice telling him that Putin was using him and other politicians in both parties in an effort to shake Americans’ confidence in our democratic principles, institutions and processes.”
McMaster was replaced days later by John Bolton, who also served for about a year-and-a-half before being dismissed.
During Trump’s term, he had four different national security advisers, while President Joe Biden has had one since taking office in 2021. “With Donald Trump, most everybody gets used up, and my time had come,” said McMaster.
HR McMaster, a retired lieutenant general, served as Trump’s national security adviser from February 2017.In his memoir, he reveals that discussions about Russia with Trump were challenging from the outset. He recounts a conversation with his wife in March 2018: “After over a year in this job, I cannot understand Putin’s hold on Trump.”
McMaster also asserted that Trump consistently linked discussions involving Russia to the federal investigation into Moscow’s meddling in the 2016 election and alleged connections with his campaign, according to AFP’s report.
US officials have indicated that foreign powers, including Russia and Iran, aim to interfere in the upcoming November election, where Republican Trump is running against Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris.
McMaster described Trump as “overconfident” and eager to improve relations with Russia through a personal connection with Putin. He contends that Putin, “a ruthless former KGB operator,” exploited Trump’s “ego and insecurities through flattery”.
“Trump had revealed his vulnerability to this approach, his affinity for strongmen and his belief that he alone could forge a good relationship with Putin,” McMaster states.
The book recounts numerous instances of tension between McMaster and Trump over Putin, ultimately leading to McMaster’s dismissal.
Before Trump called Putin, McMaster warned him against the potential misuse of the conversation by the Kremlin to legitimize Russia’s election and bolster its image claiming the polls were rigged. He reportedly asked Trump, “As Russia tries to delegitimize our legitimate elections, why would you help him legitimize his illegitimate election?”
Despite the warnings, Trump called Putin, congratulated him, and suggested inviting the Russian president to the White House.
McMaster believes Trump’s opposition to him stemmed from McMaster being “the principal voice telling him that Putin was using him and other politicians in both parties in an effort to shake Americans’ confidence in our democratic principles, institutions and processes.”
McMaster was replaced days later by John Bolton, who also served for about a year-and-a-half before being dismissed.
During Trump’s term, he had four different national security advisers, while President Joe Biden has had one since taking office in 2021. “With Donald Trump, most everybody gets used up, and my time had come,” said McMaster.
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