Donald Trump Begins Russia Summit by Blaming America For the Poor Relationship With Russia
I'm not sure that the best negotiating posture with Putin is to blame America for the poor relationship between the two countries, but that's what Trump just did.
From Twitter via CNN: "Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!" Trump tweeted Monday morning ahead of the summit.
Russia's Foreign Ministry simply replied, "We agree."
I suspect anyone reading this could take the rest of the day outlining dozens of things Putin has done over the last decade which might be termed "hostile" to American interests, and Republican Sen. Ben Sasse captured some of it last night in reminding Trump that Putin is a "murderer," a "crook and a liar."
Blaming America for the strained relationship, especially on the heels of Friday's indictments, is irresponsible... and a lie. And it clearly signals that Trump will not pressure Putin to curtail his behavior, even involving his interference in future US elections.
Photo: from an earlier meeting between the leaders.
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