Trump Dominated Putin at Alaska Summit, But Senator Murphy and Rep. Smith Criticize Meeting Outcomes

The recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has drawn mixed reactions, particularly regarding the dynamics between the two leaders. Several body language experts analyzing the meeting on CNN described Trump as having dominated Putin during the encounter, with one expert noting Trump's initial enthusiasm faded into disappointment by the end. However, political figures expressed critical views of the summit's outcomes. Senator Chris Murphy characterized the meeting as a disaster and an embarrassment for the United States, suggesting that Putin emerged with only a photo opportunity and no substantive commitments or consequences. Murphy also criticized the Republican-controlled Congress for prioritizing Trump's agenda to maintain favorable relations with Putin over imposing effective sanctions. Representative Adam Smith, ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, voiced his disappointment with the historic summit. Overall, while body language analyses highlighted Trump's assertiveness, lawmakers questioned the summit's effectiveness and its implications for U.S. foreign policy toward Russia.