And he was so sure he and Vladimir would be BFFs, or at least pen pals.
On Wednesday, President Trump begrudgingly signed legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia.
The new legislation not only puts sanctions on Russia, but prevents the president from lifting those sanctions, or returning diplomatic compounds that were seized by the Obama administration, after it was discovered there was interference in the 2016 election.
In announcing that he’d signed the legislation, Trump basically pitched a fit.
“Congress could not even negotiate a health care bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the executive’s flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia, and North Korea much closer together,” he said in a statement.
He ended the statement by saying: “I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress.”
Yeah. You’re awesome, buddy, and I’m sure the ex-KGB agent/Russian strongman president could see how awesome you are.
And we know you were elected because you’re rich, and had a reality TV show, and you’re an “outsider.”
None of that spells competence on the international stage of politics, however.
The hissy fit didn’t stop with the statement on Wednesday, but as could be predicted, carried over to Twitter this morning.
Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low. You can thank Congress, the same people that can't even give us HCare!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 3, 2017
So Congress is to blame?
Nothing about Russia’s interference in our election, aggressive actions in Syria, or their annexation of Crimea – all the things that prompted the sanctions, to begin with – none of that was damaging to our relationship with them?
That Trump has this attitude is the very reason Congress needs to go over his head to get things done. He’s apparently emotionally invested in a hostile foreign government that has attacked the nation he was elected to lead. He has blinders on, when it comes to Russia.
Given what’s at stake, the co-equal branches of our government can’t sit this one out and allow the first Kakistocratic president to have his way.
He doesn’t know what he’s doing.
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