In a striking revelation, Senator Lindsey Graham has likened former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to a North Korean spectacle, where “everybody stands up and claps every time Trump comes in.” This colorful comparison comes amid new disclosures from journalist Bob Woodward’s latest book, which reveals that Trump secretly sent medical equipment to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his personal use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Woodward, Trump authorized the shipment of Abbott Point of Care COVID test machines to Putin in 2020, a move that was kept under wraps due to concerns over public perception. During a private phone call, Putin reportedly requested that the shipment remain undisclosed, fearing backlash for accepting aid from the United States. Trump, seemingly unconcerned about the secrecy, replied, “I don’t care. Fine.” However, Putin insisted on confidentiality, stating, “They don’t care about me.”
Woodward’s account further reveals that Trump has maintained communication with Putin after leaving office. In one instance, at Mar-a-Lago, Trump asked a senior aide to leave the room before initiating a private call with the Russian leader. The aide indicated to Woodward that Trump has spoken with Putin multiple times since his presidency ended.
When questioned about these conversations, Trump’s aide Jason Miller expressed uncertainty, stating, “Um, ah, not that, ah, not that I’m aware of.” Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence under President Biden, was similarly cautious when asked about Trump’s potential contacts with Putin.
“I wouldn’t purport to speak to what President Trump may or may not have done,” Haines said.
As Graham reflected on the dynamics at Mar-a-Lago, he painted a surreal environment where Trump is greeted with fervent applause, reminiscent of a “North Korea.”
“Going to Mar-a-Lago is a little bit like going to North Korea. Everybody stands up and claps every time Trump comes in,” Graham said.
The book also touches on Trump’s ongoing aspirations for a 2024 presidential run. Despite acknowledging Biden’s legitimate victory, Graham advised Trump on how to attract moderate voters, emphasizing the need to move beyond the narrative of the 2020 election.
The South Carolina Republican is quoted as saying Biden “won fair and square” but that Trump “doesn’t like to hear that.”
Graham’s assessment of Trump’s behavior amid ongoing legal challenges was telling: “Trump is becoming more erratic,” he noted, pointing out how these court cases could rattle anyone. Woodward highlights that Graham urged Trump to focus on his political future, arguing that a successful reelection bid could overshadow the January 6 insurrection.
As these revelations emerge, the implications of Trump’s secret dealings with Putin, the cult-like atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago, and his increasingly erratic behavior cast significant doubt on the former president’s fitness for office.
