U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 15 described Russian President Vladimir Putin as “a smart guy” and said the two leaders share “a good respect level on both sides.” Speaking to reporters, Trump remarked that both men had “been doing it for a long time” and suggested that “something is going to come of” their rapport. Trump’s latest comments underscore his continued willingness to publicly praise Putin, a stance that has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers in both parties amid persistent tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Trump on Putin: "He's a smart guy, been doing it for a long time, but so have I. I've been doing it for a long time. And here we are. We're president."🤡 https://t.co/DgBRsA48VT
Trump on Putin: "He's a smart guy, been doing it for a long time, but so have I. I've been doing it for a long time. And here we are. We're president." @atrupar https://t.co/zE2ZWDk7sr
Trump: "Putin's a smart guy. He has been doing it for a long time. But so have I. We get along. There is a good respect level on both sides. Something is going to come of it."