For the first time in all of modern history, Russia has a true ally in the White House. Day by day, that becomes more and more obvious as Trump bows to the man who won him the presidency, President Vladimir Putin.
Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2018
Going far beyond the pale, the White House said today that Trump is open to allowing Russian officials to come to the U.S. to interrogate Americans they’re accusing of crimes such as former ambassador to Russia under President Obama, Michael McFaul.
NEW: Sanders says there was "some conversation" between Trump, Putin about possibility of Russia questioning U.S. figures, including former Amb. McFaul, "but there wasn't a commitment made…the president will work with his team and we'll let you know if there's an announcement." pic.twitter.com/UnubKsNmrr
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) July 18, 2018
The Russian president said during the press conference with Trump that he wants to interrogate several Americans over what he claims committed money laundering. Bill Browder, a man whose firm donated money to Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the DNC who has openly criticized Putin and led the charge to implement the Magnitsky Act. Putin said:
‘They sent a huge amount of money, over 400 million, as a contribution to the campaign of Hillary Clinton. Well, that’s their personal case. It might have been legal, the contribution itself, but the way the money was earned was illegal.’
Putin singled out his nemesis, Bill Browder, as an example of this wrongdoing, & in the process, made a bombshell claim that rightwing conspiracy theorists immediately jumped all over as proof of massive amounts of dirty money flowing to Clinton’s campaign https://t.co/nyAGRftHiB
— Indivisible Network (@IndivisibleNet) July 18, 2018
A fact check found that it was actually $17,700 that was donated to the Clinton campaign and $297,000 to the DNC. Russian officials then changed their claim from $400 million to $400,000.
Additionally, Putin said he wants to interrogate the former ambassador to Russia as well as Christopher Steele, who compiled the infamous Russian dossier.
Hey WH press Corps, can you confirm tomorrow with @PressSec that Putin discussed me personally in his one on one with Trump? Did he suggest that I was part of some alleged money laundering scheme? And did Trump push back on this completely invented , whacko idea?
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) July 18, 2018
Exactly. Putin feels that he has an ally in @realDonaldTrump in going after me & the other US government officials on that list. President Trump could clear that up in one tweet or statement. https://t.co/utNAkKx5bG
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) July 18, 2018
I really hope Trump did not agree with this "great deal" with Putin in Helsinki: "Russia wants to question Christopher Steele, Michael McFaul, top politicians for aiding Bill Browder" — RT World News https://t.co/Tv1q6pBNUF
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) July 18, 2018
It seems Putin is taking a page right out of Trump’s playbook: anytime your own illegal actions come under scrutiny, blame Hillary and anyone who served under Obama for ridiculous, made up claims. Unfortunately, America now has a president who may let Putin act on those claims and silence those who know the truth just as he has in his own country.
Featured image screenshot via YouTube
