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WASHINGTON (AP) – "Bizarre". & # 39; & # 39; Shameful. & # 39; & # 39; & # 39; & # 39; Unsightly. & # 39; & # 39;
This is the swift and radical condemnation directed against President Donald Trump on Monday after he sided with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a stunning appearance in Helsinki – and only republicans. Lawmakers from the two major parties and former intelligence officials appeared shocked, appalled, and uncomfortable with Trump's suggestion that he believed Putin had denied interference in the 2016 elections. was a remarkable break with the US Secret Service and the Department of Justice. And just as alarming for some, Trump also puts the two countries on an equal footing when they blame their tense relationships.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Called it "one of the most shameful representations by an American president in memory."
Sen. Ben Sbade, R-Neb., Called it "weird". Senator Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Called it "shameful". And Senator Lindsey Graham, RS.C, tweeted that it was a "bad day for the United States."
"It was a very good day for President Putin," said Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn. the chair of the foreign relations committee. He said that Trump's refusal to condemn Russia's interference in the 2016 elections makes the United States "look like a push".
Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, said that he saw Russian secret services handling many people in his first career as a CIA officer. But he tweeted: "I would never have thought that the American president would become one of those played by the old hands of the KGB."
The President of the House, Paul Ryan, baderted that there was no doubt that Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election and "no moral equivalence" between the United States and Russia.
"The President must understand that Russia is not our ally," said Ryan, R-Wis in a statement. Russia, he says, "remains hostile to our most fundamental values and ideals."
Much of the Republican reprimand comes from lawmakers who have been willing to openly criticize the president, a group that remains a minority in the GOP. ] Many Republicans have been sidelined after the Justice Ministry on Friday indicted 12 Russian intelligence officials for election-related piracy. But several Republicans who do not criticize the president have expressed concern, shocked by the performance of Monday
Democrats have pleaded with their GOP colleagues who mostly control the Congress to control the president and strengthen the legislature.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., The leader of the minority, says that never in the history of the country has an American president supported an adversary in the same way that Trump sided with Putin. He challenged the Republicans to go beyond words and face the President directly by increasing sanctions against Russia and asking for testimonials about the summit of Trump administration officials. , among other things. Said Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of D-Calif House. Trump's weakness in front of Putin was not only "embarrbading" but also proves that the Russians have something on the president, personally, financially. or political. "
Republicans have been reluctant to fully confront a president who remains popular among GOP voters at home." But Trump's grip on the GOP is put to the test by his willingness to stand up. Putin, a leader that Republicans often describe as an enemy of the United States.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Earlier badessment that the Russians are not "our friends" He said he had "total confidence in our intelligence community and the results."
Second-rate Republican Senator, Senator John Cornyn of Texas, said Trump has a "delicate task" in dealing with Putin, but added that he Trump, standing alongside Putin in Helsinki, refused to publicly condemn – or to say that he believes – the US badessment that Russia has interfered in the elections in 2016. Instead, he led angered against Democrats and US officials, calling the special advocate Robert Mueller's "disaster" inquiry into Russia.
Asked about Russia's responsibility, Trump says, "We are all blaming."
McCain called the summit a "tragic mistake."
Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., The daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, says he is "deeply troubled" by Putin's defense against US intelligence agencies "and his suggestion of moral equivalence" between the two countries
. Graham, a former Trump ally, described the summit as "a missed opportunity by President Trump to hold Russia accountable for the 2016 interference and to issue a stern warning regarding future elections."
Some GOP lawmakers criticized Trump
Off Capitol Hill, former intelligence chiefs who served under President Barack Obama were scathing in their criticisms. John Brennan, who served as director of the CIA, called Trump's comments "treasonous".
"Donald Trump's press conference in Helsinki exceeds the threshold of" high crimes and misdemeanors ". It was nothing less than treason: not only were Trump's comments foolish, but he was entirely in Putin's pocket Patriotes Republicans: Where are you? Brennan tweeted.
James Clapper, who was director of national intelligence under Obama, described Trump's comments as "very, very disturbing."
"On the world stage before the entire world the president of the United States essentially" James Comey, the FBI director fired by Trump, tweeted: "It was the day an American president stood on the Alien soil next to a murderous liar thug and refused to back down.At least one Republican, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, is laughed at both sides by "beating their chests" against Russia and in "Debasing" the debate, stating that it was important for the US to open diplomatic channels with its opponents if the country hopes to change its behavior
"They make a big mistake," said Paul. He dismissed the president's criticism as those who hate the president. "It's the Trump Syndrome derangement."
Another key Republican echoes the president's criticisms of the president's claim. Special Investigator's Inquiry
Rep. Darrell Issa, of California, said he was taking seriously the charges brought by the Mueller team, but was asking about the schedule of the days ahead ahead of Trump-Putin's meeting. "Personally, I do not want to exclude or exclude validity."
But another Republican, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, warned that Trump might have the impression that he could improve his relations with Putin by being kind to him, "
" The problem , it's that President Putin is not interested in a better relationship, "Rubio said at an Atlantic-sponsored forum. "He sees politics as a battle between the strong and the weak … He does not believe in win-win scenarios, he believes in the zero sum."
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Media Associate Matthew Daly, Mary Clare Jalonick, Alan Fram and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.
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