Staffers tried to suggest edits, but it usually fell to McMaster to talk Trump out of ideas that would reveal too much or piss off Western allies. On this day, Trump was adamant about what he wanted the statement to say. “I want Putin to come here,” Trump told McMaster. “Yes, Mr. President,” McMaster said. “We’ll start working on it ASAP.” “Let’s announce the invitation and put out a statement about it,” Trump said. McMaster didn’t think Trump should publicly announce his invitation, much less have Putin visit Washington at all, but figured the situation could be managed. He explained to Trump
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