Ahead of summit, Trump won’t label Putin friend or foe
President Trump on Tuesday would not say if he views Russian President Vladimir Putin as a friend or foe, instead labeling him a “competitor” on the world stage.
Trump spoke to reporters before departing the White House for a week-long European trip that includes a summit with Putin, which the president said would be the “easiest of them all.” “I really can’t say right now. As far as I’m concerned, he’s a competitor,” Trump said of Putin.
“I think that getting along with Russia, getting along with China, is a good thing,” the president added.
The comments could heighten fears among U.S. allies and lawmakers that Trump could make too many concessions to Russia while antagonizing European partners.
