**Trump Hints at Possible Conversations with Putin After Leaving Office**

In a recent interview, former President Donald J. Trump hinted that speaking to Russian President Vladimir V. Putin after leaving office would be a “smart thing,” although he did not confirm whether such conversations had taken place.

Speaking at a meeting of the Economic Club of Chicago, Trump dodged direct questions about his post-presidency interactions with Putin. This came after John Micklethwait, editor in chief of Bloomberg, inquired about claims in Bob Woodward's new book that Trump and Putin might have communicated up to seven times since 2021. These claims have not been verified by other journalists but reignited discussions on the nature of Trump's relationship with the Russian leader, especially given Trump's criticism of ongoing U.S. military support to Ukraine.

"I don't comment on that," Trump stated, adding, "But I will tell you that if I did it, it's a smart thing. If I'm friendly with people, if I have a relationship with people, that's a good thing, not a bad thing." As Micklethwait attempted to interrupt and clarify, Trump firmly avoided giving a direct answer. "I didn't imply," he said. "I said I don't comment on those things."

The interview’s combative nature mirrored Trump’s elusive responses, leaving the public to speculate about the full extent of his interactions with Putin since his presidency ended.