Putin couldn’t have dreamt of a better outcome. The US President has exonerated Russia from all wrongdoing without Putin expending any effort of his own.
He has shown Trump as an unreliable ally to America’s friends and to some, even an enemy. Try as American diplomats will, to show their accredited countries that they continue traditional US policy in spite of Trump, it does not restore credibility. Here are some strong reactions to Trumps tweets and statements after his meeting with Putin. House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan: The President must appreciate that Russia is not our ally, there is no moral equivalence between the US and Russia which remains hostile to our most basic values and ideals. Sen Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: I’ve said it a number of times and I’ll say it again “The Russians are not our friends and I entirely believe the assessment of our intelligence agencies”. Sen John McCain: Trump’s comments were one of the most disgraceful performances of a US President in memory. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker: He made the US look like a pushover. Putin was probably eating caviar on the plane home. All these are prominent Republicans. Here are reactions from European Envoys in the US: “Frightening” “Devastating” “Abomination” From European leaders: “Need new strategies to deal with the US as a now less-than-reliable ally, even as an adversary”. “I’m exploding here like so many people around the world that hold America dear.” “He would have no problem listing his grievances against Germany but against Putin he’s not capable of saying anything,” Nixon was impeached for far less. Even his lies bold as they might have been, pale into insignificance when compared to Trump’s. Roland Francis 416-453-3371
