UPDATING: Trump Tweets Praise for Vladimir Putin
‘I Always Knew He Was Very Smart!’
In yet another instance of Donald Trump siding with Vladimir Putin, the President-elect has just posted a tweet praising the Russian president for not responding in kind to President Barack Obama’s sanctions. “Great move on delay (by V. Putin),” Trump tweeted. “I always knew he was very smart!”
Great move on delay (by V. Putin) – I always knew he was very smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 30, 2016
The U.S. imposed extensive sanctions against Russia on Thursday, which include ordering 35 Russian diplomats and operatives out of the country within 72 hours, and the shuttering of two huge Russian government owned spy compounds in New York City and Maryland.
Many, including the Russian Foreign Minister, had expected Putin to respond in kind, but Friday morning Putin’s spokesperson announced he would not, because “in three weeks Donald Trump will be the new head of state.â€Â
UPDATE I: 3:07 PM EST –
Trump has “pinned” the above tweet to the top of his Twitter page, meaning it will be the first tweet anyone sees there until he unpins it. That’s certainly making a statement. To be clear, Trump has just literally taken sides, against our intelligence agencies, against our democracy, and against our constitution by praising Putin.
UPDATE II: 3:18 PM EST –
A few responses via Twitter:
Trump might as well invite Putin to the inaugural address
— Joe Kallatch (@Jrangkallatch) December 30, 2016
Trump pinning a tweet about how Putin is smart makes me more convinced than ever that they have some incredible, horrendous dirt on him
— Sam Biddle (@samfbiddle) December 30, 2016
US imposes sanctions on Russia based US intelligence; Trump sides with Putin over country. Beyond chilling. https://t.co/Nlj0ieIjNL
— David Leopold (@DavidLeopold) December 30, 2016
UPDATE III: 3:45 PM EST –
More.
Former GOP/independent presidential candidate and former CIA operative:
To be clear, @realDonaldTrump is siding with America’s greatest adversary even as it attacks our democracy. Never grow desensitized to this. https://t.co/tNSlkNPBgt
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) December 30, 2016
CNN Senior White House Correspondent:
The Russians have retweeted PEOTUS pic.twitter.com/ld6OYLTjl4
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) December 30, 2016
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This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
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