President Barack Obama suggested during a press conference Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin could undermine the United States if Donald Trump follows through on some of his rhetoric.
Obama said that Russia is a “weaker country” that doesn’t innovate but “they can impact us if we lose track of who we are.”
“Mr. Putin can weaken us just like he’s trying to weaken Europe if we start buying into notions that it is okay to intimidate the press, or lock up dissidents, or discriminate against people because of their faith or what they look like,” Obama added.
WATCH:
During the presidential campaign and since his election, Trump has attacked the press. During one rally he called them “scum,” and said “they are just terrible people.” Trump also repeatedly said that he would like to change libel laws to make it easier for public figures to sue the press.
Since Trump’s election he has also spoken about jailing dissidents. He has brought up the prospect of making burning the American flag illegal on both Twitter and during his victory rallies. The president-elect also proposed during his campaign that he would bar Muslims from entering the United States. This statement is still on his website, despite his campaign and him now saying that they will just stop immigration from countries with a history of terrorism.
