In his memoir, McMaster reflects on Trump's unwavering admiration for Putin, illustrating how this relationship was shaped by Trump's ego and insecurities, which left staff members perplexed. He emphasizes that even amidst critical global situations, Trump's penchant for validating himself by seeking Putin’s praise often clouded his judgment. This dynamic not only affected Trump's foreign policy decisions but also showcased a troubling vulnerability, leading to direct confrontations with his advisers.
McMaster highlights an incident after the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, where Trump focused on a flattering article praising him by Putin. He vividly describes Trump’s enthusiasm in wanting to share this article with the Russian leader, stating, 'I was certain that Putin would use Trump's annotated clipping to embarrass him and provide cover for the attack.' This moment encapsulates how deeply Trump valued Putin's approval over pragmatic political considerations.
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