The Trump-Putin Helsinki news conference is about to begin. Follow me for a video thread. 
WOW -- a reporter was forcibly removed from the press conference before it began. @Acosta says he is with @thenation, and was taken out because he was carrying an anti-nuclear weapons "protest sign"
PUTIN: "Negotiations with the president of the U.S., Donald Trump, took place in a frank and business-like atmosphere. We can call it a success, and fruitful...the current tense atmosphere has no solid reason behind it."
Goes on to talk about shared problems, including terrorism
Goes on to talk about shared problems, including terrorism
PUTIN: "We favor the continued cooperation in counterterrorism and maintaining cybersecurity. (👀) I'd like to point out specifically that our special services are cooperating quite successfully together. The most recent example is the World Cup."
this chyron doubles as dating advice
PUTIN criticizes TRUMP for withdrawing from Iran nuclear deal: "We mentioned our concern about the withdrawal of the US from the deal. Thanks to the Iranian nuclear deal, Iran submitted to the control of IAEA, it effectively ensures peaceful nature of Iranian nuclear program."
Despite new indictment of Russian hackers, PUTIN denies meddling in 2016 presidential election: "The Russian state has never interfered and is not going to interfere in internal American affairs, including election processes."
TRUMP: "We had direct, open, deeply productive dialogue. Went very well...I'm here today to continue the proud tradition of bold American diplomacy. From the earliest days of our republic, leaders have understand that diplomacy & engagement is preferable to conflict & hostility."
TRUMP: "Even during tensions of the Cold War...the US & Russia were able to maintain a strong dialogue. Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about 4 hours ago. I really believe that."
Takes a shot at "obstructionist" Democrats
Takes a shot at "obstructionist" Democrats
TRUMP: "I addressed directly w/President Putin the issue of Russian interference in our elections. I felt this was a message best delivered in person. He may very well want to address it and very strongly, because he feels strongly about it. He has an interesting idea." 👀👀👀
A Russian journalist asks Trump about some of his mild criticisms of Russia and Putin. Trump responds by kissing Putin's ass.
"I called him a competitor and a good competitor he is. I think the word 'competitor' is a compliment."
"I called him a competitor and a good competitor he is. I think the word 'competitor' is a compliment."
A US reporter asks Trump if he holds Russia accountable for attacking American democracy. Trump says, "I hold both countries responsibility. I think the US has been foolish. I think we have all been foolish."
Goes on to savage Mueller & Hillary Clinton, and deny he colluded.
Goes on to savage Mueller & Hillary Clinton, and deny he colluded.
WOW -- Trump intercepts a question that was intended to Putin, then goes on a rant about the size of his electoral college win.
PUTIN: "As to who is to be believed [about election interference], who is not to be believed -- you can trust no one. Where did you get this idea that President Trump trusts me or I trust him? He defends the interests of the USA. I do defend the interests of the Russia."
Putin on Mueller's indictment of 12 Russian military hackers: "I don't know the full extent of the situation. President Trump mentioned this issue. I will look into it."
While standing next to the American president, Putin accuses Hillary Clinton of accepting illegal Russian campaign contributions. Trump doesn't push back.
Asked if a deal was reached about Syria, Trump dodges, saying, "Our militaries do get along. Our militaries have gotten along probably better than our political leaders for years. Our militaries do get along very well. They do coordinate in Syria and other places. Thank you."
Putin presents Trump with a World Cup ball. Trump tosses it to Melania.
Asked if he believes US intel agencies or Putin about Russia's interference in the 2016 election, Trump immediately starts pushing debunked DNC & Hillary conspiracy theories.
"I don't see any reason why it would be" Russia, Trump says, affirming he believes Putin's denials.
"I don't see any reason why it would be" Russia, Trump says, affirming he believes Putin's denials.
PUTIN doesn't deny having blackmail material on Trump
"When Trump was in Moscow back then, I didn't even know that he was there. I treat him with utmost respect, but back then when he was private person, a businessman, nobody informed me"
Trump ends presser by bashing the FBI
"When Trump was in Moscow back then, I didn't even know that he was there. I treat him with utmost respect, but back then when he was private person, a businessman, nobody informed me"
Trump ends presser by bashing the FBI
Trump confirms he believes Putin over his own intelligence agencies thinkprogress.org/trump-believes…
This was one of the most jaw-dropping moments during any presidential news conference in American history thinkprogress.org/trump-believes…
Trump endorses Putin’s plan to allow Kremlin to interrogate U.S. officials who work with Mueller thinkprogress.org/trump-endorses…
What could possibly go wrong? Trump endorses Putin's 'incredible offer' to have Kremlin agents work with Mueller to investigate Russia's attack on the U.S. thinkprogress.org/trump-endorses…
Trump’s public kowtowing to Putin was shocking by any standard. So what concessions did Trump receive in exchange during their lengthy private meeting?
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