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Vladimir Putin: I wanted Donald Trump to win US election – live Vladimir Putin: I wanted Donald Trump to win US election – live
(35 minutes later)
House speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, said in a statement that the US must be “focused on holding Russia accountable.” Ryan said:
There is no question that Russia interfered in our election and continues attempts to undermine democracy here and around the world. That is not just the finding of the American intelligence community but also the House Committee on Intelligence. The president must appreciate that Russia is not our ally. There is no moral equivalence between the United States and Russia, which remains hostile to our most basic values and ideals. The United States must be focused on holding Russia accountable and putting an end to its vile attacks on democracy.
Seconds before the press conference began, a man in the audience, Sam Husseini, was forcibly removed from the hall. More details are emerging about Husseini and the circumstances surrounding his removal.
The Nation editor and publisher, Katrina vanden Heuvel, confirmed Husseini was the man removed from the conference and said he received press accreditation from the news magazine to cover the summit.
“As Trump administration consistently denigrates media, we’re deeply troubled by reports that he was forcibly removed from press conference,” vanden Heuvel said on Twitter.
Husseini is a communications director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, which seeks to expand the reach of progressive organizations in the media.
He was temporarily suspended from the National Press Club in 2011 after questioning the Saudi ambassador.
More reaction from the US:
Abby Huntsman, Fox News host and daughter of US ambassador to Russia
No negotiation is worth throwing your own people and country under the bus.
Nancy Pelosi, house minority leader: ‘embarrassing’
Just several days ago, 12 Russians were indicted for attacking our democracy. Today, America's so-called leader embarrassingly failed to stand up to the person who spearheaded the attack. Seriously, what does Putin have on Trump that's he's so afraid?
David Axelrod, Democratic strategist: ‘horrifying’
Horrifying that @POTUS ends summits with brutal despots who menace our country with a warm embrace, and seemingly ends every interaction with our western allies in bitter discord.
Mike Murphy, Republican strategist: ‘weak’
Just saw the most depressing, disgusting, toadying, weak, moronic, lie-stuffed, and damn near traitorous public hour in the long history of the American Presidency. A dark day. 1/2
Trump is on his way to the airport, set to fly back to Washington DC.Trump is on his way to the airport, set to fly back to Washington DC.
But first, he spoke with Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson, according to the White House pool.But first, he spoke with Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson, according to the White House pool.
Fox News is also set to air an interview with Putin later today.Fox News is also set to air an interview with Putin later today.
Pres Trump departing Presidential Palace summit site in Helsinki. Heading for airport and flight home. pic.twitter.com/UBkuaYrtMKPres Trump departing Presidential Palace summit site in Helsinki. Heading for airport and flight home. pic.twitter.com/UBkuaYrtMK
A brief recap of the press conference, which followed a working lunch and one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin:A brief recap of the press conference, which followed a working lunch and one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin:
Putin said the two outlined the “first steps for improving this relationship and to restore an acceptable level of trust”.Putin said the two outlined the “first steps for improving this relationship and to restore an acceptable level of trust”.
Trump said the US relationship with Russia had “never been worse” than it was “until four hours ago,” just before the two spoke.Trump said the US relationship with Russia had “never been worse” than it was “until four hours ago,” just before the two spoke.
Russian interference in US electionRussian interference in US election
Trump and Putin agreed there was “no collusion” between his campaign and Russia in the 2016 election.Trump and Putin agreed there was “no collusion” between his campaign and Russia in the 2016 election.
Trump rejected an opportunity to publicly condemn Putin for Russia’s attempts to meddle in the election.Trump rejected an opportunity to publicly condemn Putin for Russia’s attempts to meddle in the election.
Putin did say he supported Trump in the election. “I wanted Trump to win because he spoke about normalizing Russian relations,” Putin said.Putin did say he supported Trump in the election. “I wanted Trump to win because he spoke about normalizing Russian relations,” Putin said.
Putin said the US president introduced the topic of Russian election meddling during their meeting. Putin reiterated that Russia has not and “doesn’t plan” to interfere in US domestic politics.Putin said the US president introduced the topic of Russian election meddling during their meeting. Putin reiterated that Russia has not and “doesn’t plan” to interfere in US domestic politics.
Trump said Putin “has an interesting idea” about the issue of election meddling, but did not elaborate.Trump said Putin “has an interesting idea” about the issue of election meddling, but did not elaborate.
Trump repeatedly defended his win in the 2016 election, attacking people who raised questions about Russia’s role.Trump repeatedly defended his win in the 2016 election, attacking people who raised questions about Russia’s role.
Putin did not deny that Russia has compromising information on Trump. Trump said: “If they had it, it would have been out long ago.”Putin did not deny that Russia has compromising information on Trump. Trump said: “If they had it, it would have been out long ago.”
SyriaSyria
Trump says the two countries “could save hundreds of thousands of lives” in the country.Trump says the two countries “could save hundreds of thousands of lives” in the country.
Putin says a major concern there was how many refugees have been displaced from their home country.Putin says a major concern there was how many refugees have been displaced from their home country.
BusinessBusiness
Putin said the US and Russia will put together a “working group” of Russia and American businessmen.Putin said the US and Russia will put together a “working group” of Russia and American businessmen.
Trump said Putin is a “good competitor,” in response to a question about Germany’s plans to build the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.Trump said Putin is a “good competitor,” in response to a question about Germany’s plans to build the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
The US Senator from South Carolina has a warning about the football Putin gifted to Trump.The US Senator from South Carolina has a warning about the football Putin gifted to Trump.
Finally, if it were me, I’d check the soccer ball for listening devices and never allow it in the White House.Finally, if it were me, I’d check the soccer ball for listening devices and never allow it in the White House.
Graham also said Trump missed an opportunity to hold Russia accountable for election meddling. “This answer by President Trump will be seen by Russia as a sign of weakness and create far more problems than it solves,” Graham said.Graham also said Trump missed an opportunity to hold Russia accountable for election meddling. “This answer by President Trump will be seen by Russia as a sign of weakness and create far more problems than it solves,” Graham said.
We’ll post highlights from that extraordinary press conference momentarily. Meanwhile, some early reaction from the US:We’ll post highlights from that extraordinary press conference momentarily. Meanwhile, some early reaction from the US:
Ari Fleischer, a White House press secretary under George W Bush: ‘naive’Ari Fleischer, a White House press secretary under George W Bush: ‘naive’
I continue to believe there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. But when Trump so easily and naively accepts Putin’s line about not being involved, I can understand why Ds think Putin must have the goods on him.I continue to believe there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. But when Trump so easily and naively accepts Putin’s line about not being involved, I can understand why Ds think Putin must have the goods on him.
John Brennan, CIA director under Obama: ‘treasonous’John Brennan, CIA director under Obama: ‘treasonous’
Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of “high crimes & misdemeanors.” It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of “high crimes & misdemeanors.” It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???
Justin Amash, a Republican representative for Michigan: ‘not right’Justin Amash, a Republican representative for Michigan: ‘not right’
A person can be in favor of improving relations with Russia, in favor of meeting with Putin, and still think something is not right here.A person can be in favor of improving relations with Russia, in favor of meeting with Putin, and still think something is not right here.
CNN journalist Anderson Cooper: ‘disgraceful’CNN journalist Anderson Cooper: ‘disgraceful’
Anderson Cooper calls that press conference one of the most "disgraceful performances by an American president" ever.Anderson Cooper calls that press conference one of the most "disgraceful performances by an American president" ever.
Lemire, the AP journalist, now asks about Crimea, something neither of the men had yet mentioned in the press conference.Lemire, the AP journalist, now asks about Crimea, something neither of the men had yet mentioned in the press conference.
Putin says Trump “continues to maintain that it was illegal to annex it. Our viewpoint is different.”Putin says Trump “continues to maintain that it was illegal to annex it. Our viewpoint is different.”
Then, Putin responds to Lemire’s question on whether or not he has comprising information on the US president.Then, Putin responds to Lemire’s question on whether or not he has comprising information on the US president.
Asked if he has compromising material on Trump, Putin replies: "I did hear these rumours. When President Trump visited Moscow back then, I didn't even know he was in Moscow... Nobody informed me that he was in Moscow... Please disregard these issues."Asked if he has compromising material on Trump, Putin replies: "I did hear these rumours. When President Trump visited Moscow back then, I didn't even know he was in Moscow... Nobody informed me that he was in Moscow... Please disregard these issues."
Putin DOES NOT DENY that he has compromising material on Trump. He merely says that Putin didn't know Trump was in Moscow.Putin DOES NOT DENY that he has compromising material on Trump. He merely says that Putin didn't know Trump was in Moscow.
Trump said: “If they had it, it would have been out long ago.”Trump said: “If they had it, it would have been out long ago.”
That was the last question of the press conference, which has ended.That was the last question of the press conference, which has ended.
The AP’s Jonathan Lemire asks Trump to warn Putin never to intervene in a US election again in front of the cameras.The AP’s Jonathan Lemire asks Trump to warn Putin never to intervene in a US election again in front of the cameras.
Trump speaks extensively about FBI servers and asks about Hillary Clinton’s emails.Trump speaks extensively about FBI servers and asks about Hillary Clinton’s emails.
Trump on election interference: "President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today."Trump on election interference: "President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today."
Asked if he believes the intelligence agencies who concluded that Russia did meddle in the election or Putin who denies it, Trump brings up the DNC server. He later says of Russia, "I don’t see any reason why it would be. I really do want to see the server."Asked if he believes the intelligence agencies who concluded that Russia did meddle in the election or Putin who denies it, Trump brings up the DNC server. He later says of Russia, "I don’t see any reason why it would be. I really do want to see the server."
Putin asks to comment. “I was an intelligent officer myself,” he says.Putin asks to comment. “I was an intelligent officer myself,” he says.
“I believe Russia is a democratic state and I hope you’re not denying this right to your own country. Do you believe the US is a democracy?” Putin says.“I believe Russia is a democratic state and I hope you’re not denying this right to your own country. Do you believe the US is a democracy?” Putin says.
He says if you do believe the US is a democracy, this matter must be dealt with in court.He says if you do believe the US is a democracy, this matter must be dealt with in court.
Putin: The most recent allegation against 12 Russian officers. "Do send us the request. We will analyse it properly and we will send a formal response."Putin: The most recent allegation against 12 Russian officers. "Do send us the request. We will analyse it properly and we will send a formal response."
Putin then gives Trump a ball from the World Cup. Trump says his son will like it and throws it into the audience - apparently to Melania.Putin then gives Trump a ball from the World Cup. Trump says his son will like it and throws it into the audience - apparently to Melania.
An RT reporter asks Trump, in English, to go into details on any specific arrangements made today or discussed about intervention in Syria.An RT reporter asks Trump, in English, to go into details on any specific arrangements made today or discussed about intervention in Syria.
The reporter then moves to Russian to ask Putin about the country’s role there.The reporter then moves to Russian to ask Putin about the country’s role there.
Trump says they would like to work to help Israel.Trump says they would like to work to help Israel.
And that Russia has helped the US eradicate Isis.And that Russia has helped the US eradicate Isis.
Trump: "Our militaries have probably got along better than our political leaders for years."Trump: "Our militaries have probably got along better than our political leaders for years."
Putin says a crucial issue in Syria is the “huge amount of refugees” in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.Putin says a crucial issue in Syria is the “huge amount of refugees” in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
“I wanted Trump to win because he spoke about normalizing Russian relations,” Putin said.“I wanted Trump to win because he spoke about normalizing Russian relations,” Putin said.
Putin says he's willing to let Special Counsel Mueller make an official request that Russia interrogate those Russians indicted for election meddling in the US. But in exchange, says Russia would expect US to question Americans that Russia charges with illegal actions against it. pic.twitter.com/RGibymEvbbPutin says he's willing to let Special Counsel Mueller make an official request that Russia interrogate those Russians indicted for election meddling in the US. But in exchange, says Russia would expect US to question Americans that Russia charges with illegal actions against it. pic.twitter.com/RGibymEvbb
Putin: "We have to be guided by facts, not by rumours." I don't know the full extent of the situation of the 12 indicted Russian military officers. President Trump mentioned it and I will look into it.Putin: "We have to be guided by facts, not by rumours." I don't know the full extent of the situation of the 12 indicted Russian military officers. President Trump mentioned it and I will look into it.
Main takeaway so far: trump and Putin agree there was ‘no collusion’Main takeaway so far: trump and Putin agree there was ‘no collusion’
Reuters’ Jeff Mason then asked Putin to answer to claims Russia interfered in the 2016 election.Reuters’ Jeff Mason then asked Putin to answer to claims Russia interfered in the 2016 election.
Trump responded to the reporter’s question for Putin for several minutes, including to defend, again, his election win. Then, Putin spoke.Trump responded to the reporter’s question for Putin for several minutes, including to defend, again, his election win. Then, Putin spoke.
Putin said: “Where did you get the idea that Trump trusts me or I trust him?”Putin said: “Where did you get the idea that Trump trusts me or I trust him?”
Putin says they are looking for “points of contact” and that the presidents are looking for a way to reconcile their differences.Putin says they are looking for “points of contact” and that the presidents are looking for a way to reconcile their differences.
Putin: "We should be guided by facts. Can you name a single fact that would definitively prove collusion? This is nonsense."Putin: "We should be guided by facts. Can you name a single fact that would definitively prove collusion? This is nonsense."
Jeff Mason, an American reporter for Reuters, asked about Trump’s tweet this morning that US “foolishness and stupidity” damaged the relationship between the US and Russia.Jeff Mason, an American reporter for Reuters, asked about Trump’s tweet this morning that US “foolishness and stupidity” damaged the relationship between the US and Russia.
“I hold both countries responsible,” Trump says. “I think the United States has been foolish. I think we’ve all been foolish”“I hold both countries responsible,” Trump says. “I think the United States has been foolish. I think we’ve all been foolish”
“I think we’re all to blame.”“I think we’re all to blame.”
He says “nuclear proliferation, in terms of stopping” is the most important thing for them to work on together.He says “nuclear proliferation, in terms of stopping” is the most important thing for them to work on together.
He then moves onto the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 US election.He then moves onto the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 US election.
“There was no collusion,” Trump says.“There was no collusion,” Trump says.
“I beat Hillary Clinton easily,” Trump says.“I beat Hillary Clinton easily,” Trump says.
He says it has had a negative impact on the relationship between the “two largest nuclear powers in the world.”He says it has had a negative impact on the relationship between the “two largest nuclear powers in the world.”
A reporter from Russia’s Interfax news agency asked about German’s plan to build the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.A reporter from Russia’s Interfax news agency asked about German’s plan to build the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Trump says Putin is a “good competitor.”Trump says Putin is a “good competitor.”
“We will be competing when you talk about the pipeline,” says Trump.“We will be competing when you talk about the pipeline,” says Trump.
Trump says the US and Russia “could save hundreds of thousands of lives” in Syria.Trump says the US and Russia “could save hundreds of thousands of lives” in Syria.
“This was a very constructive day, a very constructive few hours we spent together.”“This was a very constructive day, a very constructive few hours we spent together.”
“I’m sure we’ll be meeting again in the future, often.”“I’m sure we’ll be meeting again in the future, often.”
The two presidents have concluded their remarks and now for questions from the press.The two presidents have concluded their remarks and now for questions from the press.