Former national security adviser John Bolton said he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin “sees that he’s not faced with a very serious adversary here.”
In a clipped exchange between ABC News reporter Martha Raddatz and Bolton released Wednesday, Raddatz asked Bolton to describe the relationship between Putin and President Trump. “I think Putin thinks he can play him like a fiddle. I think Putin is smart, though.”
.@MarthaRaddatz: “How would you describe Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin?”
John Bolton: “I think Putin thinks he can play him like a fiddle.”
Watch more from the exclusive interview this Sunday at 9|8c on ABC. pic.twitter.com/VALmx3Z0f0
— ABC News (@ABC) June 17, 2020
“The president may be a superb deal-maker when it comes to Manhattan real estate. Dealing with arms limitation treaties on strategic weapons, dealing in many, many other international security issues, are things far removed from his life experience. When you’re dealing with somebody like Putin, who has made his life understanding Russia’s strategic position in the world, against Donald Trump, who doesn’t enjoy reading about these issues or learning about them, it’s a very difficult position for America to be in,” said Bolton.
Earlier on Wednesday, excerpts from Bolton’s new book, The Room Where It Happened, were released by several news outlets. The excerpts allege many different instances of misconduct by Trump, particularly in his interactions with foreign nations.
ABC’s full interview will air Sunday night.
