In an unexpected turn of events, BBC's Chief North America correspondent Gary O'Donoghue found himself woken up from a nap for a surprise phone interview with President Donald Trump on Monday evening. As the White House called, O'Donoghue scrambled to engage in a conversation that lasted nearly 20 minutes and covered a range of significant topics.
Initially bracing for a more formal interview to commemorate the year since an assassination attempt on Trump, O'Donoghue was unprepared for the informal and candid nature of the discussion. Upon receiving the call, the President appeared introspective, especially when discussing the assassination attempt that shook the nation. This rare moment of vulnerability was marked by long pauses as he expressed his discomfort with dwelling on the events: “I don't like dwelling on it because if I did, it would be, you know, might be life-changing.”
When the conversation shifted to the ongoing conflict involving Russia, Trump conveyed frustration with President Vladimir Putin, hinting at a wavering trust. He expressed disappointment in Putin's failure to engage constructively in peace talks regarding Ukraine, stating, “I trust almost nobody, to be honest.”
The dialogue also delved into domestic issues, particularly Trump's immigration policy and the effectiveness of deportations. While he claimed his team was delivering on campaign promises, he declined to specify success metrics, focusing instead on removing criminal elements quickly.
Emerging from the past, Trump's remarks about NATO indicated a shift in his stance. He recognized the alliance's evolving importance, stating, "Nato is becoming the opposite of obsolete," praising allied nations for stepping up their defense spending.
Finally, the President shared his respect for the UK and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while he laughed off recent political interactions, suggesting a lighthearted view of the strong ties between the US and the UK. Trump expressed an openness to the future of international relations, acknowledging relationships that are key to global stability.
This impromptu interaction reflected Trump's personality, combining moments of candid vulnerability with staunch political views on pressing international and domestic matters.
