Should Trump Avoid Further One-on-Ones with Putin?

by Causes | 7.31.18

What’s the story?

• Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley has introduced a resolution opposing any private meetings between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin without the presence of a second senior U.S. official.

• Merkley introduced his resolution following Trump’s private meeting with Putin in Helsinki and the president’s subsequent invitation for the Russian autocrat to visit the Oval Office.
• “President Trump made clear last week in Helsinki and since that Vladimir Putin has him wrapped around his finger,” Merkley said in a statement, adding:

“We may not know exactly why Trump is so weak in the face of Putin’s manipulations, but it’s clear that they should not be in a room alone together. Our nation needs President Trump to act as a watchdog for America, not a lapdog for Putin.”

• The resolution would also require Trump, “or a designee of the president,” to report to Congress within 7 days of his meeting with Putin to explain “any agreements or commitments made on behalf of the United States.”

What do you think?

Should Trump avoid further one-on-ones with Putin? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: Alexey NIKOLSKY / Sputnik / AFP)