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Unexpected Call Reveals Tensions Between Trump and Former Adviser
A little over a month ago, as the second Trump administration was finding its footing, retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster received an unanticipated call on his personal phone.
Reports from four sources who spoke to CBS News indicate that the call originated from the White House. During the call, McMaster was advised to wait for the president.
The situation was particularly striking considering McMaster’s departure from his position as national security adviser in March 2018, after just thirteen months. His ousting from the role was marked by tension, and the political landscape has remained contentious.
Compounding the peculiarity of the call, just the day prior, President Donald Trump publicly criticized McMaster. Following an appearance on 60 Minutes, where McMaster expressed skepticism surrounding Trump’s dealings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump took to social media, labeling McMaster as a “weak and totally ineffective loser.”
The question arises: what prompted the president to contact McMaster at this time?
When Trump finally spoke, he began, “Henry…” before moving on to the main topic, according to CBS News. McMaster quickly recognized that he was not the intended party for this conversation, as his full name is Herbert Raymond.
“Mr. President, this is H.R. McMaster,” he clarified.
Trump’s terse response was, “Why the f*** would I talk to H.R. McMaster?” Following this, he delivered a critical appraisal of McMaster, further solidifying the awkwardness of the situation.
The call concluded shortly thereafter, with reports suggesting that Trump had actually intended to speak with South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, rather than the former national security adviser.
While it remains unclear who mistakenly contacted the wrong McMaster, insiders suggest it may have been an aide in the White House. Official channels have not provided comments regarding the call, nor have they confirmed the details of the interaction.
McMaster, who contributes to CBS News, opted to refrain from commenting on the incident when approached by the network.
In contrast, communications director Steven Cheung was vocal about the matter, stating, “H.R. McMaster has completely beclowned himself and his third-rate book, which is now sold in the bargain bin of the fiction section of a discount bookstore, is filled with lies in a futile attempt to rehabilitate his tattered reputation.”
McMaster’s previous appearance on 60 Minutes had showcased his candid thoughts on Trump’s perspective on Putin, creating further ripples in their fraught relationship.
In his memoir, At War with Ourselves, McMaster alleges that Putin has “played to Trump’s ego and insecurities with flattery,” an assertion that adds a complex layer to understanding their interactions during his time in office.
Source
www.yahoo.com