The summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin kicked off Monday, with Trump beginning by congratulating Russia on hosting a “really great World Cup.”
Trade, military issues, and China are among some of the many topics the two will discuss, Trump said during opening remarks. Other issues expected to come up include Russian election meddling, Crimea, and Syria.
“I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship,” Trump said, sitting next to Putin. “Getting along with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing.”
The president admitted that the US and Russia have “not been getting along very well for the last number of years.”
“I really think the world wants to see us get along. We are the two great nuclear powers,” Trump said.
The comments echo remarks Trump made earlier in the day on Twitter.
“Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!”
Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2018
He also talked about how no matter how well the summit went, it would never be good enough for his critics.
“Heading to Helsinki, Finland – looking forward to meeting with President Putin tomorrow. Unfortunately, no matter how well I do at the Summit, if I was given the great city of Moscow as retribution for all of the sins and evils committed by Russia... over the years, I would return to criticism that it wasn’t good enough – that I should have gotten Saint Petersburg in addition! Much of our news media is indeed the enemy of the people and all the Dems… know how to do is resist and obstruct! This is why there is such hatred and dissension in our country – but at some point, it will heal!”
Heading to Helsinki, Finland – looking forward to meeting with President Putin tomorrow. Unfortunately, no matter how well I do at the Summit, if I was given the great city of Moscow as retribution for all of the sins and evils committed by Russia...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2018
...over the years, I would return to criticism that it wasn’t good enough – that I should have gotten Saint Petersburg in addition! Much of our news media is indeed the enemy of the people and all the Dems...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2018
...know how to do is resist and obstruct! This is why there is such hatred and dissension in our country – but at some point, it will heal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2018
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