Earlier today, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a joint conference in Helsinki, in which Trump shamefully undermined the American intelligence community and praised Putin instead.

It’s almost difficult to believe that just a few years ago, the Republican Party was warning the country about Putin and identifying Russia as America’s number one geopolitical foe. Now, sadly, many members of the Republican Party are following the lead of the Republican president and even view Putin more favorably than Democrats do.

That may change after today. Multiple Republicans released statements criticizing the press conference and reiterating the hard truth that Putin is not an American ally.

Statement from DNI Dan Coats: pic.twitter.com/Hw4f4w4HqM

— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) July 16, 2018

President Trump must clarify his statements in Helsinki on our intelligence system and Putin. It is the most serious mistake of his presidency and must be corrected—-immediately.

— newtgingrich (@newtgingrich) July 16, 2018

I trust the assessments of Dan Coats, Gina Haspel & their teams more than I trust a former KGB agent, Vladimir Putin. U.S. Presidents should meet w/ foreign leaders. But we must unequivocally denounce Russia’s election interference attempts & human rights abuses around the world.

— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) July 16, 2018

As I have said many times before, but worth repeating today. I believe Russia is an adversary and we must continue to work with our allies to counter Russia’s influence around the world. I disagree with the President’s statement today.

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) July 16, 2018

I never thought I would see the day when our American President would stand on the stage with the Russian President and place blame on the United States for Russian aggression. This is shameful.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) July 16, 2018

Today’s press conference in #Helsinki was one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory.

My full statement on the #HelsinkiSummit: https://t.co/lApjctZyZl

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) July 16, 2018

The President is wrong. Russia interfered in the 2016 election and seeks to undermine our democracy.

— Rep. Will Hurd (@HurdOnTheHill) July 16, 2018

My statement on today's summit in Helsinki. pic.twitter.com/WSxFGDKMau

— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) July 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/RepMiaLove/status/1018982069664403456

The American people deserve the truth, & to disregard the legitimacy of our intelligence officials is a disservice to the men & women who serve this country. It’s time to wake up & face reality. #Putin is not our friend; he’s an enemy to our freedom.

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) July 16, 2018

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent those of any other individual or entity. Follow Sarah on Twitter: @sarahmquinlan.