February 16, 2019
Trump: Vlad? Vlad?
Are you there?
Putin: Yes, Donald.
Trump: I still
think it’s so cool you let me call you ‘Vlad.’
Putin: I know, Donald [wincing]. You tell me that every time we talk. Why are you calling?
Trump: Well, Vlad,
I declared a national emergency, just like you said.
Putin: A very strong move, Donald.
Trump: Well, now
everyone is suing me.
Putin: Yes, you Americans and your lawyers. I will never understand that. But I still do not understand why you are
calling.
Trump: I was just
wondering, Vlad, don’t you think we can back down now? Maybe just build a few miles
of the wall, then say we’re finished? I
gotta admit, yesterday I had a lot of trouble trying to explain just why this
is a national emergency.
Putin: Yes, Donald, I saw. You should have used the talking points that
our embassy prepared for you.
Trump: So what do you say, Vlad, can we…
Putin: No, Donald.
I am afraid we must insist on a wall, like we discussed. Or
maybe I should call your friend Mr. Mueller and tell him …
Trump: Okay! Okay!
And listen, I hate to keep asking you this, but when this is all done I
get to build my hotel in Moscow, right?
Putin: Of course, Donald.
Trump: And one
more thing.
Putin: Yes,
Donald.
Trump: Do you
think you could explain later why we had to build this wall?
Putin: [Laughing]
When the time is right, Donald.
Trump: Okay, Vlad. Good bye.
Melania sends her best.
Putin: I know, Donald.
Putin: I know, Donald.
