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Mimi Launder
Jul 17, 2018
Donald Trump is facing blistering attacks from all sides after he backed Russian denials over accusations of interference in the 2016 US election.
The US president said he could think of "no reason" why Russia would be involved with the meddling following a meeting with Russian President Vladmir Putin in Helsinki, and claimed "both countries" were responsible for the decline in US-Russia relations.
The views, voiced during a remarkable joint press conference with Putin, are at odds with the general consensus - among US intelligence agencies and across the political spectrum - that Russia did seek to alter the election.
The director of National Intelligence, Dan Coates, said "we have been clear in our assessments of Russian meddling".
STATEMENT FROM DAN COATS: "The role of the Intelligence Community is to provide the best information and fact-based… https://t.co/rLT3plm8g5— Kaitlan Collins (@Kaitlan Collins) 1531765752
Hillary Clinton took aim at Trump, taking her shade from before the conference and topping it.
Before the highly anticipated summit between Trump and Putin, she called into question Trumps's loyalties in the first tweet.
Great World Cup. Question for President Trump as he meets Putin: Do you know which team you play for?— Hillary Clinton (@Hillary Clinton) 1531700137
After the conference, she tweeted the answer to her question, based on Trump's performance in the news conference.
Well, now we know. https://t.co/olQlhzQiuO— Hillary Clinton (@Hillary Clinton) 1531776850
Former CIA director John Brennan claimed Trump had committed treason.
Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of “high crimes & misdemea… https://t.co/dQrKJWpfBV— John O. Brennan (@John O. Brennan) 1531756320
Former FBI director James Comey echoed Brennan's sentiment.
This was the day an American president stood on foreign soil next to a murderous lying thug and refused to back his… https://t.co/QJ67DyOKKS— James Comey (@James Comey) 1531775179
Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Trump's behaviour "embarrassing".
Just several days ago, 12 Russians were indicted for attacking our democracy. Today, America's so-called leader e… https://t.co/yT2ahwdTq4— Nancy Pelosi (@Nancy Pelosi) 1531757500
Democratic strategist David Axelrod was horrified by the press conference.
Horrifying that @POTUS ends summits with brutal despots who menace our country with a warm embrace, and seemingly e… https://t.co/Qqo77bWJGO— David Axelrod (@David Axelrod) 1531757705
While Republican strategist Mike Murphy slated Trump as "weak" (among other things).
Fox News host Abby Huntsman accused Trump of throwing America "under the bus".
No negotiation is worth throwing your own people and country under the bus.— Abby Huntsman (@Abby Huntsman) 1531759229
Republican senator John McCain did not hold back.
Today’s press conference in #Helsinki was one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memo… https://t.co/CS9FXzjmjW— John McCain (@John McCain) 1531764238
McCain's close friend, Republican senator Lindsey Graham, said Trump's performance will "create far more problems than it solves".
Missed opportunity by President Trump to firmly hold Russia accountable for 2016 meddling and deliver a strong warn… https://t.co/wTYJ9xmDyH— Lindsey Graham (@Lindsey Graham) 1531757483
It is imperative that Congress hold hearings on the extent and scope of any cooperation with Russia in Syria regarding Iran’s presence.— Lindsey Graham (@Lindsey Graham) 1531757568
He also suggested checking the football that Putin gave Trump as a gift following Russia's World Cup.
Finally, if it were me, I’d check the soccer ball for listening devices and never allow it in the White House.— Lindsey Graham (@Lindsey Graham) 1531757614
Republican Mitt Romney blasted Trump's actions as "disgraceful and detrimental to our democratic principles".
My statement on today's summit in Helsinki. https://t.co/WSxFGDKMau— Mitt Romney (@Mitt Romney) 1531776726
Former house speaker Newt Gingrich, a Trump supporter, called it "the most serious mistake of his presidency".
President Trump must clarify his statements in Helsinki on our intelligence system and Putin. It is the most seriou… https://t.co/KKZ5HIc2qZ— Newt Gingrich (@Newt Gingrich) 1531775701
Actor Chris Evans criticised it as a "disgrace" and "un-American".
I don’t even know what to say. Today was a disgrace. @realDonaldTrump embarrassed America and should be ashamed of… https://t.co/saivv8LMsv— Chris Evans (@Chris Evans) 1531772042
This moron, puppet, coward sided with Putin over our own intelligence agencies! On a world stage!! BASED ON NOTHING… https://t.co/3eiUk65qXe— Chris Evans (@Chris Evans) 1531772092
Arnold Schwarzenegger called Trump a "little wet noodle".
President @realDonaldTrump, remember, America first. https://t.co/JDEm2rR50G— Arnold (@Arnold) 1531781140
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