Washington, Feb. 6: A large number of people worldwide have lost their lives because of America’s mistakes, President Donald Trump has said as he defended his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by equating his actions with those of the US government.
“Well, take a look at what we’ve done too. We’ve made a lot of mistakes. I’ve been against the war in Iraq from the beginning,” Mr. Trump said during an interview with Fox News.
“A lot of mistakes, OK, but a lot of people were killed.
So a lot of killers around, believe me,” said the US President when told that the Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “killer”.
“There are a lot of killers. We’ve got a lot of killers.
What, you think our country’s so innocent? You think our country’s so innocent?” Mr. Trump asked.
Mr. Trump said he would like to co-operate with the Russians in the fight against ISIS.
He also said that he respects Mr. Putin, but this does not mean that the two would get along. “Well, I respect a lot of people but that doesn’t mean I’m going to get along with them. He’s a leader of his country. I say it’s better to get along with Russia than not. And if Russia helps us in the fight against ISIS, which is a major fight, and Islamic terrorism all over the world...,” Mr. Trump said.
“Will I get along with him? I have no idea,” he said in response to a question.
The comment has drew criticism from his political opponents, who see it as him comparing the US with Russia.
“Equating our country with an authoritarian, murderous regime is outrageous and reprehensible, even for Mr Trump.
All elected officials in the United States have a responsibility to speak up against the President’s dangerous rhetoric,” said Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Mr. Cardin said Mr. Trump made clear he does not believe in America’s exceptionalism when he equated the United States to Vladimir Putin and his murderous regime.
“Such a ridiculous statement sends a signal that this White House does not in fact prioritise the United States but increasingly champions a Russia First Policy. It is offensive to the American people, veterans, and brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our principles, liberties, and way of life,” Mr. Cardin said.
Political opponents and independent journalists in Russia have been attacked, jailed, and killed under Putin’s regime, he said.
Democratic Leader in the House Nancy Pelosi also accused Mr. Trump for being soft on Russia.
“I want to know what the Russians have on Donald Trump,” Ms. Pelosi told NBC News in an interview.
“I think we have to have that investigation by the FBI into his financial, personal and political connections to Russia, and we want to see his tax returns so we can have a truth in the relationship between Putin whom he admires..., she said.
Mr. Trump’s respect for Mr. Putin was a familiar trope during presidential election which the major US intelligence agencies believe Russian intelligence sought to influence on Trump’s behalf. Such beliefs prompted a fierce split between Mr. Trump and the intelligence community that has not yet healed.
Iran deal ‘the worst’ agreement ever negotiated: Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has described the nuclear deal with Iran as “the worst” agreement ever negotiated, calling the Islamic Republic the number one terrorist state in the world. “They (Iranians) are the number one terrorist state. They’re sending money all over the place — and weapons. And can’t do that,” Trump told Fox News in an interview telecast during the Super Bowl tournament. Trump said the nuclear agreement with Iran was the “worst deal” that he has ever seen negotiated. “I think it was a deal that should of never been negotiated,” he said.
Last week, Trump administration imposed additional sanctions against Iran for its alleged destabilising behaviour in the region and ballistic missile test in alleged violation of the UN Security Council resolution. The Trump administration has also issued tough warning against Iran.
“The deal that was made by the Obama administration. I think it’s a shame that we’ve had a deal like that and that we had to sign a deal like that. And there was no reason to do it. And, if you’re going to do it, have a good deal,” he said.
“We gave them USD 1.7 billion in cash, which is unheard of. We put the money up and we have really nothing to show for it,” he rued. Trump did not gave a clear answer if it is possible that he would tear up the Iranian nuclear deal.
“We’ll see what happens,” he said.
“I can say this, they have total disregard for our country,” he added. The US is currently moving an aircraft career in the region.
