President Donald Trump finally addressed Wednesday the recent call he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin in which he congratulated him on being reelected.
Trump had been harshly criticized for reaching out to Putin — despite the fact President Obama did the same back in 2012 — and was reportedly furious that White House staffers had leaked the previously unscheduled call to the media.
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 20: President Donald Trump holds a law enforcement roundtable on sanctuary cities, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on March 20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)
“I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also),” POTUS tweeted. “The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing.”
I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing…….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018
He added that Russia “can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race.”
“Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the ‘smarts,'” Trump continued. “Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!”
…..They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the “smarts.” Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018
Prior to the call, White House staff reportedly warned the president in a memo specifically not to congratulate Putin. (REPORT: Trump Ignored Explicit Advice To Not Congratulate Putin On Victory)