So many people — including Republicans — are slamming Trump’s “treasonous” Russia comments
By now, the idea that Russian hackers interfered in the 2016 presidential election is a truth that’s (almost) universally acknowledged. The CIA, FBI, and even former President George W. Bush have all agreed that Russia at least attempted to influence the election. So when President Donald Trump dismissed claims of Russian meddling at a summit in Helsinki, Finland on July 16th, figures on both sides of the political aisle were quick to call the remarks “treasonous.”
BBC News reported that after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a private, two-hour meeting, Trump maintained that Russia was innocent of interference in the U.S. presidential elections. In a news conference, when asked if he believed the U.S. intelligence agencies or Putin, Trump sided with the Russian leader.
"President Putin says it's not Russia," Trump said in the conference. "I don't see any reason why it would be."
CBS News noted that Trump appeared to be most critical of the U.S. itself, saying that the country “has been foolish.”
"I hold both countries responsible. I think that the United States has been foolish. I think that we've all been foolish," Trump said, according to CBS. "We should have had this dialogue a long time ago, a long time, frankly, before I got to office."
The president’s comments sparked outrage.
Former CIA Director John Brennan tweeted that Trump’s remarks were “nothing short of treasonous.”
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???
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) July 16, 2018
Many Republicans spoke out against the president, too.
I don’t have anything quippy to tweet. I’m horrified – and have never been more proud of the fact that Putin hates my father so much he personally sanctioned him on Russia’s enemies list.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 16, 2018
Today’s press conference in #Helsinki was one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory.
My full statement on the #HelsinkiSummit: https://t.co/lApjctZyZl
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) July 16, 2018
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.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 16, 2018
The Russians were relentless in their efforts to meddle in the 2016 elections, and their efforts are ongoing. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/AMOVi2PrSe
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) July 16, 2018
Fox Business Network anchor Neil Cavuto called his words “disgusting.”
Neil Cavuto of Fox Business calls Trump's press conference "disgusting", "That sets us back a lot." pic.twitter.com/R2ZIjyFyPR
— Axios (@axios) July 16, 2018
And many others agree.
You could end this today. @GOP. You could caucus with the Dems and figure out a way to remove a President who's just committed blatant treason in full view. But you'll just be "disappointed" and move on, won't you?
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) July 16, 2018
Today, July 16th, 2018, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly & deliberately attacked & betrayed by our "President". We will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us all true patriots.#TreasonSummit #PresidentAsset https://t.co/5hbQUZxJA0
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 16, 2018
Trump-Putin news conference summary: @andersoncooper: "You have just watched the most disgraceful performance by a President of the United States in American history."
— Javi Morgado (@javimorgado) July 16, 2018
— Chelsea Peretti (@chelseaperetti) July 16, 2018
greatest threat to democracy now – is not putin – it’s trump –
Pear harbor hyperbolic narratives can be dismissed or critiques to death – won’t change facts -trump fits textbook definition of treason -obstruction Emmouluments
High crimes – not what isn’t re Russia – what is –— John Cusack (@johncusack) July 16, 2018
The whole world just watched as the President sided with Putin over U.S. Intelligence Agencies. There is no doubt that Putin has launched attacks on the very heart of our democracy, and by not standing up to him today, the President has invited him to do it again.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) July 16, 2018
In the entire history of our country, Americans have never seen a president of the United States support an American adversary the way @realDonaldTrump has supported President Putin.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 16, 2018
According to Bloomberg, Special Counsel Robert Mueller indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers prior to the Trump-Putin summit for attempting to meddle in the 2016 election. So far, 32 people have been indicted in the investigation, so all evidence suggests that the Russian plot to interfere in the election and U.S. politics is very real.
The fact that Trump continues to take Putin’s word over actual U.S. intelligence demonstrates an utter disregard for the facts as well as for our nation in general. Russian interference in free elections could have huge consequences for our democracy, and we need our government to acknowledge this — at the bare minimum.
