On a recent evening, President Donald Trump caught a reporter off guard with an unexpected phone call to discuss significant current events. Gary O'Donoghue, a Chief North America correspondent, had braced himself for an interview to mark a year since an assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
After four days of anticipation and a restless night leading to a nap, O'Donoghue was startled awake by a call from the White House. Initially thinking he had missed his chance, he scrambled to get ready as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt connected him with Trump.
During the nearly 20-minute interaction, the conversation ranged from the assassination attempt to global politics, including Trump's shifting views on NATO, his frustrations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his relationship with the UK.
One standout moment came when Trump addressed the assassination attempt, showing a more reflective and vulnerable side than his usual public demeanor. Expressing discomfort with dwelling on the incident, he suggested he preferred positive thinking, saying, "I don't like dwelling on it because if I did, it would be life-changing."
When O'Donoghue probed about Trump’s harsh stance against deportations, Trump showcased his satisfaction with current measures without offering specific numbers on deportations. He asserted his commitment to removing criminals from the US quickly.
On Russia, the president conveyed his ongoing frustration toward Putin, highlighting failed negotiations and expressing disappointment while keeping the door open for future dialogue. He remarked, "I'm not done with him, but I'm disappointed in him."
Transitioning to NATO, Trump surprisingly acknowledged the alliance's importance, stating it was no longer "obsolete" and discussing the enhanced defense spending by NATO members.
Finally, he conveyed respect for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, emphasizing the "special" relationship between the US and the UK, while brushing off potential slights against him in light of King Charles' previous statements.
Overall, the impromptu interview revealed Trump's nuanced feelings on many topics, showing a blend of assertiveness and vulnerability that may surprise both supporters and critics alike.
