What's happened
At a rally in North Carolina, Donald Trump made controversial remarks about Abraham Lincoln, questioning the necessity of the Civil War. His comments come amid scrutiny over alleged communications with Vladimir Putin since leaving office, raising concerns about foreign relations and Trump's approach to governance.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Paul Krugman in the New York Times, Trump's comments about Lincoln raise questions about his understanding of history, suggesting he might imply that Lincoln should have negotiated with the South regarding slavery. Krugman argues that such a viewpoint is fundamentally flawed, as it overlooks the moral imperatives that drove the Civil War. In contrast, Gustaf Kilander from The Independent highlights Trump's assertion of being a better president than Lincoln, which could resonate with his supporters but alienate others. This divergence in interpretation underscores the polarized nature of Trump's political discourse. Additionally, reports from Bob Woodward's upcoming book, as cited by multiple sources, indicate that Trump has maintained contact with Putin, raising concerns about the implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security.
How we got here
Trump's recent comments about Lincoln and the Civil War have drawn attention as he campaigns for the presidency again. His relationship with Putin has also come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting ongoing communications since his presidency.
Common question
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Why is 'The Apprentice' film considered election interference?
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