July 16 (UPI) — President Donald Trump‘s apparent denial Monday of Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential elections drew sharp criticism from leaders.
Answering questions at a joint press conference, Trump said, “He just said it’s not Russia. I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be.” He also said the U.S. investigation into Russian involvement has been a “disaster” that’s kept the United States and Russia “separated.”
The entire U.S. intelligence community determined months ago that Moscow attempted to interfere.
“I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today,” Trump said.
Despite a Department of Justice indictment of 12 Russian intelligence officers last week, Trump did not condemn any alleged Russian action during the press briefing. Instead, he called on both countries to jointly conduct investigations before he targeted the emails of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the servers of the Democratic National Committee.
Trump was swiftly criticized by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who despite his GOP credentials has been a Trump critic.
“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,” Flake tweeted.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was similarly disdainful, saying Trump “had the opportunity to stand up to Putin.
“Today, less than 72 hours after DOJ indicted 12 additional Russian officials for attacking the 2016 elections, he blames… both countries,” she wrote.
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., also condemned Trump’s comments.
“This is bizarre and flat-out wrong,” he said. “The United States is not to blame. America wants a good relationship with the Russian people but Vladimir Putin and his thugs are responsible for Soviet-style aggression.
“When the President plays these moral equivalence games, he gives Putin a propaganda win he desperately needs.”
Former CIA Director Thomas Brennan called Trump’s comments treasonous.
“Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of ‘high crimes & misdemeanors.’ It was nothing short of treasonous,” he said. “Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called Trump’s acceptance of Putin’s answer a “Missed opportunity.”
“Missed opportunity by President Trump to firmly hold Russia accountable for 2016 meddling and deliver a strong warning regarding future elections,” he said. “This answer by President Trump will be seen by Russia as a sign of weakness and create far more problems than it solves.”
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., called Trump’s comments “disgraceful.”
“Trump takes to the international stage to embarrass America, undermine our institutions, weaken our alliances, & embrace a dictator,” she tweeted. “Russia interfered in our elections & attacked our democracy. Putin must be held accountable – not rewarded. Disgraceful.”
