Vice President Kamala Harris is voicing strong criticism of former President Donald Trump following revelations from journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book. The book alleges that Trump secretly provided COVID-19 testing equipment to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a critical time in 2020 when testing was scarce in the U.S.
This information, which has gained attention after being reported widely, highlights Trump’s actions at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many Americans struggled to access tests. The book, titled War, explores Trump’s international record alongside President Biden’s, detailing this controversial shipment of testing machines intended for use in Russia.
According to the book, Trump reportedly assured Putin, “I don’t care. Fine,” in response to the Russian leader’s request for secrecy about their dealings, reinforcing concerns regarding Trump’s vulnerability to manipulation by authoritarian figures.
In a recent interview, Harris cited Woodward’s findings as evidence that Trump lacks the judgment necessary for effective leadership. She remarked, “He admires strong men, and he gets played by them,” referring to Trump’s tendency to engage favorably with dictatorial leaders while Americans faced dire shortages of critical healthcare supplies.
The Trump campaign has dismissed the allegations, labeling the book as fabricated and the work of a “deranged man.” The campaign’s communications director remarked that Trump had not given Woodward access, describing the book as destined for the discount bins and questioning its credibility.
These recent revelations recall persistent scrutiny over Trump’s past interactions with Putin, dating back to his 2016 presidential campaign when he famously invited Russia to find missing emails from his opponent Hillary Clinton. Trump has continually defended his warm approach to Putin, claiming that his administration would have prevented Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Woodward’s book further elaborates on Trump’s relationship with Putin, suggesting that the former president may have communicated with the Russian leader multiple times since leaving office. One notable incident involves Trump clandestinely taking a call from Putin while at his Mar-a-Lago estate in early 2024.
In addition to Trump’s actions, Woodward’s book also scrutinizes President Biden’s handling of relationships with international leaders. It alleges friction between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Biden reportedly expressed frustration over Netanyahu’s priorities.
A spokesman for the White House addressed the book’s claims regarding the Biden-Netanyahu relationship, asserting that it remains strong, with both leaders capable of candid and honest conversations.
