Vermont Business Magazine Vermont's congressioinal delegation issued the following statements on President Trump’s press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki today.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) said: This is the undermining of our security interests and of the American rule of law. It is as dangerous as it is shameful.
It is all the more indefensible now that President Trump feels a need to stand up for Putin and Russia. As a Vermonter and United States senator I stand up for America.
Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said: “Donald Trump’s performance in Helsinki was stunningly reckless, even by his standards. On an international stage and with the world watching, the American president defiantly sided with a former KGB officer over U.S. intelligence agencies and the Justice Department, despite overwhelming evidence that Russia tried to sabotage our 2016 election. In doing so, he denigrated and undermined the important work of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies. With Republican congressional leaders willing to look the other way, it’s clear that Robert Mueller is the only person in Washington capable of holding accountable those who enabled and participated in this unprecedented attack on America. I am confident Mr. Mueller watched this press conference with interest and that he will factor it into his methodical effort to find the truth.”