Rachel Maddow
What was Donald Trump's response when asked about his communications with Vladimir Putin?
According to Rachel Maddow's analysis, when Trump was asked about how many times he had spoken with Putin by phone, he deliberately avoided giving a direct answer, responding with "I'd better not say." This evasiveness followed a New York Post exclusive headline revealing that Trump had spoken with Putin by phone. Maddow highlights Trump's inconsistent messaging - first acknowledging communication with Putin, then becoming defensive and secretive when pressed for details about the frequency of their conversations. This reluctance to disclose information raises questions about the nature of their communications.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)
MSNBC
03:44 - 04:10
Why was Donald Trump evasive about his communications with Vladimir Putin after his inauguration?
Donald Trump displayed notable reluctance to confirm whether he had spoken with Vladimir Putin shortly after his inauguration. When repeatedly asked by journalists if he had communicated with the Russian leader, Trump consistently responded with "I don't want to say" despite being otherwise forthcoming about his interactions with other world leaders. This evasiveness creates a striking contrast with Trump's typical communication style, as Rachel Maddow points out: "There's nothing that this man doesn't want to say. This man wants to say everything that has ever crossed his mind." His persistent refusal to be transparent specifically about Putin communications raised questions about the nature of their relationship and potential implications for US-Russia relations.
Watch clip answer (00:56m)MSNBC
02:37 - 03:34
Why did Trump refuse to confirm if he had spoken with Putin after the election?
In a post-election interview with Time magazine, Trump refused to provide a straightforward answer when asked if he had spoken with Vladimir Putin. Instead of giving a simple yes or no response, Trump repeatedly stated, "I can't tell you. It's just inappropriate." This evasive response raises significant concerns about transparency in Trump's communications with foreign leaders, particularly Russia. Trump's refusal to disclose such basic diplomatic information represents an unusual break from traditional presidential transparency, fueling questions about the nature of his relationship with Putin and potential implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
MSNBC
00:27 - 00:42
What did Trump say when asked about his communications with Putin on Inauguration day?
On Inauguration day, when questioned about his communications with Vladimir Putin, Trump responded evasively, repeatedly stating, 'I can't. It's being set up. I'll be meeting with him.' When pressed further, he continued with similar deflection, saying, 'I can't say. It's being set up Soon.' These vague responses reflect a pattern of reluctance to provide transparent information about his interactions with the Russian leader, contrasting with his communication style regarding other world leaders. This evasiveness raised significant concerns about the nature of Trump's relationship with Putin during his presidency.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)
MSNBC
02:22 - 02:30
When does Donald Trump plan to meet or speak with President Putin?
Based on the clip, Donald Trump indicates he will be meeting with President Putin but appears uncertain about the timing. When directly asked about when the meeting will occur, Trump responds with "I don't know. I can't. It's being set up." When pressed further about when he plans to speak with Putin, Trump's response is vague, saying only that it "could be versatile." This exchange reveals Trump's reluctance to provide specific details about his planned communications with the Russian leader, suggesting either uncertainty in scheduling or potential hesitation to disclose information about U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)MSNBC
02:07 - 02:18
What concern does Rachel Maddow raise about the United States' international alignment under Trump?
Rachel Maddow expresses alarm that the United States may be abandoning its traditional allies in the free world and instead aligning with dictatorships around the globe. She specifically highlights Donald Trump's reluctance to explain this apparent shift in foreign policy priorities. Maddow urges viewers to pay close attention to this concerning development, suggesting it represents a fundamental reorientation of America's position in the global order. The journalist frames this potential realignment as particularly troubling because Trump appears unwilling to provide transparency about his reasoning or communications with authoritarian leaders like Putin.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
MSNBC
07:38 - 07:52