Donald Trump uses three mobile phones. Sky News correspondent in Washington managed to get hold of one of the American president’s phone numbers and wanted to see what happens if he calls it.
Mark Stone shared that he called the number on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after local time 6:30 pm. Instead of being transferred to Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, or being connected to other U.S. administration officials, Trump himself answered.
These calls are not arranged, the journalist pointed out. The number he obtained (along with a few other journalists from Washington D.C.) is the one for the mobile phone used by the American president. In line with his unique style, if he answers and is willing, Trump speaks. And it's a bizarre experience, Stone confessed.
"It's extraordinary. I can't remember another world leader this happening with. It's very strange," said the journalist who had the opportunity to speak with Trump for the second time in a month.
Trump didn't hang up
When asked if he believes Trump has a phone number for family and close associates, one for the U.S. Vice President, and a third to be called by journalists, the journalist said all he knows is the phone rang three times, and the president answered - "Hello?". "And I said, 'Mr. President, this is Mark Stone from Sky News, with whom you spoke last month.' Then, I said: 'How are you?' And I remember he replied, 'Fine. What's up?'" he recounted with a smile.
Even though he could have easily hung up, in such a busy week, caught up with the Iran conflict and attacks against Pope Leo, Trump didn't do it, noted the journalist, and furthermore, he chatted with him for five minutes.
A completely different president
Stone immediately got to the point, informing him that he was recording the conversation for journalistic purposes, and Trump said it was fine but wanted to be assured the discussion wouldn't be broadcasted. "We could quote him but not publish the conversation," the journalist recounted. "I have your word," the president said to make sure there was no misunderstanding. "Okay. Let's go. Quickly. Let's go," Trump continued.
Stone also mentioned that during the conversation, he spoke with a "completely different" president from the one known worldwide: "He was calm, didn't shout, maybe because it was after a long day. And when I pressed him on some issues, he didn't lash out accusing me 'who are you, fake news, etc.', it was OK - 'if you want to criticize me, fine'."
What Trump said on the phone
During the five-minute conversation, Trump went from lavish praises for King Charles to scathing criticisms of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He dismissed the idea that by criticizing the UK government, he would make the king's visit to the United States awkward.
His tone and language revealed how differently he treats members of the British royal family compared to his politicians, the journalist noted.
Trump said the United States offered the UK "a good trade deal", which was "better than needed", adding that it "can be changed anytime." When asked about the relationship between the US and the UK, Trump responded directly: "It's the kind of relationship where when I asked for their help, they weren't there. When I needed them, they weren't there. When I didn't need them, they still weren't there. And they're not now either."
The American president's threat is likely to cause concern in Westminster, 11 months after the UK became the first country to sign a trade deal with the US.
Trump also criticized the UK's decision to reduce oil and gas exploration activities in the North Sea. "I think he (Keir Starmer - ed.) made a tragic mistake by shutting down oil exploration in the North Sea," Trump said.
His statements come at a sensitive time, ahead of the state visit that King Charles III is scheduled to make to the US at the end of April. However, Trump had warm words for the monarch, describing him as "a great gentleman" and "a friend."
T.D.