Washington — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday praised President Vladimir Putin for refraining from tit-for-tat expulsions of Americans in response to US punitive measures over alleged Russian interference in the November election. Putin’s decision came despite the foreign ministry asking him to send home 35 US diplomats after President Barack Obama had expelled the same number of Russian staff. Trump’s intervention — in a tweet — however illustrated the shifting political tide in Washington, barely three weeks before the Republican is due to succeed Obama at the White House. "Great move on delay (by V. Putin) — I always knew he was very smart!" the incoming US president wrote. Russia’s embassy in Washington quickly retweeted the comment, which Trump pinned so it would appear at the top of his feed for several hours. Trump’s tweet enraged his Democratic foes as well as some members of his own Republican Party. "@realDonaldTrump alternates between embracing Russian subversion & ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.