Trump Vs. America

At a press conference with Russian President Dictator Vladimir Putin on foreign soil, Li’l Donnie Trump attacked fellow Americans including Democrats, Special Counsel Robert Mueller and members of the news media for damaging U.S.-Russia relations by pursuing questions about Moscow's efforts to interfere in our elections in 2016. 

 

"There was no collusion at all. It’s ridiculous what’s going on with the probe. The probe is a disaster for our country. It’s kept us separated.”  

 

Before the meeting with Putin, Trump was on Twitter badmouthing the very country he is allegedly president of. 

 

"Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!"

 

"We agree," the Russian Foreign Ministry responded on Twitter.

And while U.S. officials say they will maintain sanctions against Russia for seizing Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, Trump himself hasn't ruled out recognizing that annexation of territory that Putin believes is rightfully his.

 

At the press conference, Trump leaned into the right wing conspiracy theories related to the election, including asking about the 33,000 Hillary Clinton emails he has long claimed are missing, the whereabouts of a computer server at the Democratic National Committee and the activities of a former House Democratic staffer who some conspiracy theorists have alleged penetrated lawmakers’ computers.

 

It was Charlottesville all over again as Trump pulled the ol’ “there’s stuff on both sides” argument. Although in this case, Li’l Donnie made it clear which side of the “both sides” holds the most blame.  "I hold both countries responsible. I think that the United States has been foolish.”

 

Speaking of classic material, Trump pulled out this old chestnut: "Getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing.” Every time he says that, it’s like Li’l Donnie thinks this has never occurred to anyone but him.

 

You know what? Yes, getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing. But there are other variables to think about. Does Putin think “getting along with the United States is a good thing, not a bad thing”?  I’m going to bet the answer is no. Putin is thinking “how can I get the United States to do what I want? How can I undermine the United States to elevate Russia and my own relentless grasp on power?”  Putin is NOT thinking in terms of “getting along” with us. Focusing solely on “getting along with Russia is a good thing” is to invite American capitulation to Putin’s goals.  Getting along with Russia is a good thing only if Russia sees a mutual need and benefit in getting along with us. 

 

Luke Coffey, director of the foreign policy center at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington had this to say about Putin: "Since coming to power in 1999, Putin has never shown that he can be a trusted partner of the United States. At almost every opportunity, he has pursued policies that undermine America’s national interests and those of its closest partners."

 

This is the guy Li’l Donnie is obsessed with “getting along with”, a guy who has no mutual desire to get along with us.

Meanwhile, Trump stands on foreign soil and berates American citizens and policy in deference to "getting along" with Russia.

Whose side is this douchebag on? The same side he's always been on. He's not on America's side.

No, Trump is, as always, looking after Trump.  


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Here are some reactions to Trump's statements today:

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.): "I never thought I would see the day when our American President would stand on the stage with the Russian President and place blame on the United States for Russian aggression. This is shameful."

 

Former CIA Director John Brennan: "Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of 'high crimes & misdemeanors. It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???"

 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.): "Once again, @realDonaldTrump takes to the international stage to embarrass America, undermine our institutions, weaken our alliances, & embrace a dictator. Russia interfered in our elections & attacked our democracy. Putin must be held accountable – not rewarded. Disgraceful."

 

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.): "Missed opportunity by President Trump to firmly hold Russia accountable for 2016 meddling and deliver a strong warning regarding future elections. This answer by President Trump will be seen by Russia as a sign of weakness and create far more problems than it solves.” 

 

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.): "This is a sad, shameful moment for our great nation. We will reclaim our values and reassert our global leadership. We'll turn the page on this dark chapter. But it won't happen on its own. We all must stand up—to side with U.S. law enforcement and to protect all Americans."

 

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.): "This is bizarre and flat-out wrong. The United States is not to blame. ... When the President plays these moral equivalence games, he gives Putin a propaganda win he desperately needs.” 

 

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.): "This entire trip has just been one giant middle finger from President Trump to his own country. Just jaw dropping."

 

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.): "It’s embarrassing that American flags were present at #TrumpPutinSummit, because an American president was not. Our president, above everything else, must defend US. @realDonaldTrump just showed he cannot and will always side with Russia. @HouseGOP, do you hear the fire alarm?"

 

Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.): "A person can be in favor of improving relations with Russia, in favor of meeting with Putin, and still think something is not right here.”  

 

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.): "The president's refusal to acknowledge that Putin interfered in our elections should alarm us all. Putin is a threat to our democracy and our upcoming election, that's a fact. The president's unwillingness to stand up to him and defend our nation is unacceptable and embarrassing."

 

Rep. Rita Lowey (D-N.Y.): "In all fairness to @realDonaldTrump, performance reviews with your boss are often 1 on 1.”  

 

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.): “Trump didn’t hold Putin responsible, & he didn’t say one negative word about Putin & his attack against our country. Our President likes to talk tough, but when it came time to take a strong stand on behalf of the US, he completely and utterly failed."

 

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore): “Trump lets Putin lie to his face and doesn't even contradict him. Cannot remember a more blatant display of weakness by a U.S. president."


And there's this from Mark Evanier:

Great join press conference from Helsinki. I especially liked the part where Trump talked while Putin drank a glass of water. 

Monday, July 16, 2018 at 11:05 AM