After six months in office, Donald Trump finally met with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the scandal surrounding the Kremlin continues. Trump sent out a tweet just prior to the meeting, which instantly triggered criticism.
Trump on Putin
Ever since the early days of the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump has been forced to deal with an onslaught of criticism dealing with the growing scandal surrounding Russia. As expected, the former host of "The Apprentice" has denied any wrongdoing, as has Vladimir Putin. Despite this, Trump has been hit with even greater backlash following his upset election win over Hillary Clinton and his inauguration last January.
Congress is currently investigating whether or not Russia hacked the election in favor of Trump, while several well-respected news outlets and government agencies have doubled down on the claim. On Friday, Trump met with Putin during the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, where he allegedly questioned the Russian leader about the accused election interference. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that Putin once again denied that he had a hand in any hacking of the election. Prior to his meeting with Putin, Trump took to Twitter to give his thoughts on July 7.
I look forward to all meetings today with world leaders, including my meeting with Vladimir Putin. Much to discuss.#G20Summit #USA🇺🇸
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2017
As seen on his Twitter feed on Friday, Donald Trump announced his plan to meet with Vladimir Putin.
"I look forward to all meetings today with world leaders, including my meeting with Vladimir Putin," Trump tweeted out, before adding, "Much to discuss." As expected, the reaction from many Americans was not positive.
Twitter reacts
Not long after Donald Trump sent out his tweet about his meeting with Vladimir Putin, critics of the president were quick to lash out on social media.
"YOU 'FINALLY' GET TO MEET YOUR MENTOR AND BOSS!" Jules Suzdaltsev sarcastically tweeted, before adding, "(just kidding, we all know you've been feeding Russia info for months)"
(just kidding, we all know you've been feeding Russia info for months)
— Jules Suzdaltsev (@jules_su) July 7, 2017
Try not to give him the launch codes during that convo, k?
— The E•MO•TION Movie™ (@JustinCaffier) July 7, 2017
"Trump and Putin will discuss: 1.
Hacking the next election 2. Eliminating pesky reporters 3. Making Autocracy Great Again," another Twitter user wrote. "What he's trying to do here, consistent over the past year, is normalize Putin to the point that his base will actually applaud collusion," writer Beau Willimon replied.
Yup! It was an "honor" for you to meet Putin, but he was just "delightful" to meet you.
— Jenny Q. Ta (@JennyQTa9) July 7, 2017
Disgraceful‼️ pic.twitter.com/H2mxYOQdnm
What he's trying to do here, consistent over the past year, is normalize Putin to the point that his base will actually applaud collusion.
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) July 7, 2017
Trump and Putin will discuss:
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) July 7, 2017
1. Hacking the next election
2. Eliminating pesky reporters
3. Making Autocracy Great Again
"Try not to give him the launch codes during that convo, k?" an additional tweeted added. As the backlash continued, it was clear that the rift between Donald Trump and many Americans was not going to end anytime soon.
