US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in Finland.
Both leaders were hoping to use the opportunity to mend broken relationships.
At a news conference after both leaders held a private meeting, President Trump defended Russia over claims of interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Mr Trump was asked if he believed the US intelligence agencies claim that Russia meddled in the US elections in 2016.
The US president said he had been no reason for Russia to meddle in the polls. “President Putin says it’s not Russia. I don’t see any reason why it should be,” Trump said.
Mr Putin had denied the charges during the press conference but that was to be expected.
What has shocked many Americans is the posture of their President and his refusal to blame Russia.
.@realDonaldTrump should be arrested for treason the moment he sets foot on American soil.#TreasonSummit
— Jon Cooper ? (@joncoopertweets) July 16, 2018
Co-signed
GOP Reps and Senators, now is your hour of decision. You must choose which side you’re on. Trump forced your hand in Helsinki. by publicly siding (literally) with Putin against the US IC. Our country — and the world — are watching you now.https://t.co/FzewGqd29v
— John Schindler (@20committee) July 16, 2018
Trump was a traitor today. I cannot & will not support a traitor.
No decent American should.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) July 16, 2018
Many of us have said so for years and we will do so again: Trump is dangerously unfit for his office. He is not a loyal American and he should be relieved of his duties expeditiously.
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) July 16, 2018
Astonishing Trump/Putin press conference: Trump doubts U.S. intelligence, endorses Putin denial of meddling in 2016 US election. Trump refuses to denounce Russian meddling. When Putin denies meddling, Trump nods!
— Andrew Neil (@afneil) July 16, 2018
This is a shameful day for our country. @realDonaldTrump blamed the US for Russia’s interference in our elections.
He has disgracefully ceded our global leadership and disregarded our principles.
But we will fight and demand that our values – and our elections – are protected.
— Donna E. Shalala (@DonnaShalala) July 16, 2018
Even Benedict Arnold would be disgusted with Traitor Trump
— Roland Scahill (@rolandscahill) July 16, 2018
Any Trump supporter who is still a supporter after this and defending him should be drawn and quartered in the town square. Traitors, all. If you can’t put country before party or your own personal pride, you are not good enough to call yourself an American
— Cheri Jacobus (@CheriJacobus) July 16, 2018
Meddling & collusion are NOT the same thing.
Russia did meddle in 2016 election & are trying it again. I’ve seen no evidence of collusion, plenty evidence of Russian meddling.
Russia didn’t beat Clinton. Trump beat Clinton.
Bad day for the US. Can be fixed. Must be fixed.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 16, 2018
.@realDonaldTrump should be arrested for treason when he lands. #TreasonSummit
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) July 16, 2018
The American intelligence agencies has already concluded that Russia was behind an effort to influence the US election against Hillary Clinton.
The US intelligence said cyber attacks and fake news stories were planted on social media to sway votes in favour of Donald Trump.
Mr Putin and Trump both however described the Helsinki meeting useful and important.
Source: Africafeeds.com
