Donald Trump: Getting Along with Russia ‘Is a Good Thing, Not a Bad Thing’

President Donald Trump defended his decision to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on winning his election.

“The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him,” he wrote on Twitter. “They are wrong!”

Trump noted that former President Barack Obama also congratulated Putin after winning his election.

“Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing,” he wrote.

Trump’s own national security advisers advised him not to congratulate Putin, telling him in all capital letters in his briefing book, “DO NOT CONGRATULATE.” The information was later leaked to the Washington Post Tuesday night.

White House chief of staff John Kelly made it clear to reporters that he was “furious” about the leak.

Trump said a good relationship with Russia would help solve conflicts with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, Iran, and the Islamic State (ISIS). 

He also mocked former President George W. Bush for not having the “smarts” to work with Putin, former President Barack Obama, as well as his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for not having “the energy or chemistry” to work with Putin. Additionally, he brought up Clinton’s failed attempt to “reset” the relationship with Russia.

“PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” Trump concluded:

I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing…….

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018

…..They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the “smarts.” Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018