McCain had some strong words to say about President Donald Trump after he confirmed that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin and his denial of interfering with the U.S. election in 2016, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
McCain stated: “There’s nothing “America First” about taking the word of a KGB colonel over that of the American intelligence community.”
‘There’s no “principled realism” in cooperating with Russia to prop up the murderous Assad regime, which remains the greatest obstacle to a political solution that would bring an end to the bloodshed in Syria.
He continued… ‘Vladimir Putin does not have America’s interests at heart. To believe otherwise is not only naive but also places our national security at risk.’
https://youtu.be/6H2HAA7i83Y
During a side meeting with Putin, President Trump just flat out asked the Russian President. He then said to media:
‘He said he didn’t meddle. He said he didn’t meddle,’ Trump said.
‘I asked him again. You can only ask so many times. I just asked him again. He said he absolutely did not meddle in our election. He did not do what they are saying he did.’
He added: ‘I believe, I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it.’
‘But he says, “I didn’t do that.” I think he is very insulted by it, which is not a good thing for our country.’
Then during a press conference in Vietnam, he clarified his thoughts on the election and the following investigation.
‘I’m surprised that there’s any conflict on this,’ said Trump.
‘What I said there is that I believe he believes that – and that’s very important for somebody to believe. I believe that he feels that he and Russia did not meddle in the election.’
Taking a firmer position, Trump added: ‘As to whether I believe it or not, I’m with our agencies, especially as currently constituted with their leadership. I believe in our intel agencies, our intelligence agencies. I’ve worked with them very strongly.’
