DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Sen. Orrin Hatch, the senior member and former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former longtime member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement following President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s summit in Helsinki:
Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Our nation’s top intelligence agencies all agree on that point. From the President on down, we must do everything in our power to protect our democracy by securing future elections from foreign influence and interference, regardless of what Vladimir Putin or any other Russian operative says. I trust the good work of our intelligence and law enforcement personnel who have sworn to protect the United States of America from enemies foreign and domestic.
This announcement from Hatch comes as Russia’s Vladimir Putin said Monday he did want Donald Trump to win the 2016 U.S. presidential election but took no action during the campaign to make it happen. According to a report from The Associated Press, he said he favored the celebrity businessman because of his policies.
Trump and Putin “spent a great deal of time” discussing allegations of Russian election meddling as they met for several hours Monday, the U.S. president said. But Trump did not strongly condemn the interference efforts, which U.S. intelligence agencies insist did occur, including hacking of Democratic emails, the subject of last week’s indictment of 12 Russians.
Trump said, as he has countless times, that there was “no collusion” between his campaign and the Russians. Putin, as always, denied all. The two leaders spoke at a joint news conference.
Trump, in opening remarks, said that U.S.-Russia relations had been at their lowest point until the two sat down face-to-face in a highly anticipated summit.
“That changed,” Trump said, “As of about four hours ago.”
Trump also continued to deny that there had been any other collusion between his campaign and Russians, declaring: “We ran a brilliant campaign and that’s why I’m president.”
The summit began just hours after Trump blamed the United States – and not Russian election meddling or its annexation of Crimea – for a low-point in U.S.-Russia relations. The drama was playing out against a backdrop of fraying Western alliances, a new peak in the Russia investigation and fears that Moscow’s aggression may go unchallenged.
“Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse,” Trump tweeted Monday morning, blaming “many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!”
The Russian foreign ministry responded by liking Trump’s tweet and then replying: “We agree.”
Asked about the tweet and whether he held Russia responsible for anything, Trump said he held “both countries responsible,” thinks the United States has been “fooling” and that “we’re all to blame.”
“The probe is a disaster for our country. There was no collusion at all”
Putin, speaking through an interpreter, once again denied what he described as “so-called interference of Russia.” He called it “nonsense” and insisted the Russian state had never interfered and would never interfere in the American electoral process.
The pair had opened their long-awaited summit Monday with a wink and slouch, respectively, then talked one on one behind closed doors for two-plus hours before the American leader declared their meeting was off to a “very, very good start for everybody.”
“We have not been getting along well for the last number of years,” Trump said after arriving at the Presidential Palace in Finland’s capital, where the leaders are meeting. “But I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship. … I really think the world wants to see us get along.”
Putin, for his part, said he and Trump have maintained regular contact through phone calls and meetings at international events but “the time has come to have a thorough discussion on various international problems and sensitive issues.” He added: “There are quite a few of them for us to pay attention to.”
Their opening one-on-one session had been scheduled to run 90 minutes. The Russians said it lasted two hours and 10 minutes. The White House wouldn’t immediately confirm the timing.
The summit, which is being closely watched around the world, was not the first time Trump and Putin have held talks. They met on the sidelines of world leader meetings in Germany and Vietnam last year. But Monday’s session was condemned in advance by members of Congress from both parties after the U.S. indictment last week of 12 Russian military intelligence officers accused of hacking Democrats in the 2016 election to help Trump’s presidential campaign.
Trump said last week that he would raise the meddling issue again with Putin, but questions have been swirling about whether Trump will sharply and publicly rebuke his Russian counterpart for the interference that prompted a special investigation probe that Trump has repeatedly labeled a “witch hunt.”
Addressing reporters before the one-on-one meeting, Putin struck a casual pose during Trump’s remarks, slouching in his chair with his legs wide and eyes low. He nodded along to some of Trump’s remarks before they were translated, showcasing his fluency in English.
Trump leaned forward in his chair, his hands tented in front of him and frequently glanced over at the Russian president. At one point, he shot Putin a wink. After Trump concluded his remarks, American reporters shouted several questions about whether he would bring up election meddling during his discussions with Putin.
Trump did not respond; Putin appeared to smirk.
With that, the leaders gave a quick handshake and their private meeting in the opulent Gothic Hall was under way. Just the two of them, each with a translator.
They continued the discussion with an expanded group of aides and over lunch in a room called the Hall of Mirrors, which was once the emperor’s throne room. Then came the joint news conference.
Out on the streets, the summit attracted a grab-bag of protesters, with abortion-rights activists wearing artificially bulging bellies and Trump masks, anti-fascist protesters bearing signs with expletive-laden insults, and free traders, anti-war Ukrainians and gay rights supporters making their voices heard.
Written by JONATHAN LEMIRE, JILL COLVIN and VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV, Associated Press. Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Ken Thomas and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
St. George News contributed to this report from information provided by the Office of Sen. Orrin Hatch.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Is Hatch talking about the same FBI that was out to get Trump and the DOJ that exonerated Hillary before the investigation began?
That’s the Fox News take. For a sane and rational view refer yourself to any other mainstream news source.
Hahaha…. idiots. Always blaming Fox news
He’s talking about the entire American intelligence aparatus that is in consensus about Russia’s meddling. We are talking about pysch ops via social media, hacking of both parties though more selectively leaking DNC info, access to 21 states voting data, etc. This happened.
Anxious for the Trump fanboys who frequent the comments here to pipe up and explain how any of this bufoon’s behavior in Helsinki is right.
That’s easy. They were never wrong. Why do you claim the are?
We be living in different universes Treason Boy.
Hahahaha.. treason boy. I like it. Gonna have to change my handle to that.
KGB or CIA? CIA or KGB? Hmmm, who do I believe?
Better check with Hannity before you decide. He got the straight scoop.
I hope you are trying to demonstrate an ultimate example of sarcasm.
His rhetoric in this situation isn’t good in my opinion but it seems like he tries to butter up those we seeks to negotiate with like Kim in North Korea thankfully though his policy is much stronger and more effective than previous presidents like his arming of Ukraine and bombing of Syria along with at least a hundred Russian mercenaries areas where Obama let Putin invade and annex Crimea and also drew a red line in Syria and stood by doing nothing while Assad gassed his own people yet no one criticized him for that but I guess that’s what happens when your a Democrat in office.
Obama was under constant criticism. Take this piece on CNN:
https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/17/opinion/crimea-vote-putin-obama/index.html
The fact is we can’t keep justifying the mistakes of the current president solely because we disagreed with the previous administration. Make no mistake, we know this is exactly what Putin wants and he has intentionally been sowing this split for years. He wants us to focus on partisanship as it allows us to normalize these egregious and highly unAmerican moments.
And no one rightfully believes Trump is better at this than Putin. Putin is a veteran KGB operator with extensive training in psych ops. He is a despot who has successfully manipulated his countries “elections” to support his inhumane and tyrannical rule. He has been and remains our most sophisticated enemy and he is winning given Trump’s acquiescence to Russia yet bullying of critical NATO allies.
Obama and Democrats sure didn’t think Russia was an issue in 2012 I remember him saying on a hot mic to Medvedev to let Putin know he’d have more flexibility after the election and acting like Mitt Romney was crazy for thinking Russia was an enemy that couldn’t be trusted. The truth is the left with their ever increasing extremism and lack of civility are what is tearing this country apart, influence can only do so much its up to individual people to act how they do.
But OBAMA….
Just pointing out the lefts hypocrisy.
Did Obama make mistakes? Hell yes. He had many blindspots and poor decisions.
And the liberal “civility” claim is a red herring.
But you are trying to deflect back to an issue not at hand right now. We have a Russian state trying to directly and indirectly influence our elections. Does that not bother you? Is that not an important issue for Americans to solve? We have definitive proof that Russians accessed state voter information. We have definitive proof they infiltrated a “gun rights organization” to influence the election. We have definitive proof they used social media to pit Americans against each other to their own benefit.
Who cares? Its now in your court to clean up the obvious: Trump is in Putins pocket and is under his control.
Trump and Putin are reading Hillary’s emails together
Whether it was the famous “red line”, whether to bomb or not bomb Syria, arm the Ukrainians, you can keep your doctor, and so on, I truly believe that President Obama acted on the best information he had at the time. It’s so easy to Monday morning quarterback his actions or avoidance of actions. I do know that the knowledge of all the captured American made armament being used by ISIS was foremost in his mind when it came falling into the same disaster and arming the Syrian Assad opposition or the Ukranians. Easy to second guess your political adversaries after the fact. And, in retrospect, he was probably right.
Well said my commy brother… well said
If you are going to insult people its normally best to spell the insult correctly.
And add the biggest bombshell yet:
https://www.lawfareblog.com/document-justice-department-charges-russian-national-conspiracy-act-foreign-agent
The DOJ just indicted a russian citizen for direct involvement with a “gun rights” organization, clearly the NRA (as her public record and social media account) to influence the 2016 elections. This is modern day Russian spying happening on American soil.
Trump’s actions and words today do not represent a POTUS looking out for American interests. Congress, foreign diplomats, intelligence specialist and patriotic Americans are all calling out Trump for this egregious betrayal of American interest.
Fake news!
You do realize the only people the “fake news” weapon is effective against is Trump’s own supporters, correct? It was the intent all along and remains so.
The news is real:
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/russian-national-charged-conspiracy-act-agent-russian-federation-within-united-states
Still fake
Admitting you are just troll makes my job easier. So thank you.
Be honest… you have no job
you don’t have a job..
So your saying the Russians want us keep our freedom and rights where the leftist Democrats want to take them?
Not at all.
Its evident Putin knows psych ops, he was a KGB mastermind who found his way into the country’s executive. He knows how to gain and wield influence. Putin and Russia have always wanted to undermine American sovereignty and it would be foolish to assume this relationship indicates otherwise.
We can fight as Americans about details of the Constitution. We have since our revolution. But it was always to make America better. This is clearly about a foreign powers desire to undermine all of us. We can remain united in protecting American interest or we can fail divided.
Nothing American about trying to take other Americans rights that would be a traitor.
A failed pivot. The topic here isn’t an interpretation of hypothetical/proposed bills but the current President siding with a violent despot that is our country’s rightful enemy.
Why don’t Trump fans ever deal with the issue at hand?
I’ll agree he didn’t do what I’d of liked of him that’s for sure I voted for a lion not a pussy cat and yes Putin is a thug in the truest sense of the word. His pivot today is proof he knows none of us are happy with his performance the other day, I just wish he would of gotten it right in the first place. But like I was saying his policy has been much tougher than his words thankfully hopefully that doesn’t change.
I appreciate the reply. He administration has maintained and expanded sanctions against the country.
But I think that misses the core of the issue. He threw loyal Americans under the bus by blaming and disparaging our nation’s intelligence agencies and personnel instead of holding Putin’s feet to the fire. And he has done this regularly. Our nation has had partisan disagreements over foreign policy and federal agencies for years but never have we seen a President be so hostile to our fellow Americans when faced with significant evidence of foreign interference.
Bipartisan committee dealing with this foreign influence on Russian efforts met today for a conference:
“Rubio said he understood the president’s desire to have a working relationship with Russia, but argued that “Vladimir Putin is not interested in a better working relationship with the United States because he views the world—geopolitics—as a battle between the strong and the weak…He believes that the only way to make Russia stronger is to make America weaker and these elections interference efforts are a part of it.”
Rubio argued that Russia’s goal was not to tip the election to Trump, but rather “to sow permanent instability in American society and political culture, so that we are so busy fighting each other that we don’t have time to take him on as a threat.”
http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/senators-rubio-and-warner-push-back-on-trump-s-press-conference-with-putin
I am proud to see members of Congress put aside petty partisan politics to protect the American electoral system and democracy as a whole. This is a big deal and it needs to be met with the full weight of American intelligence, legislation and executive function.
We will see how this effects the vote in November, not here of course because the majority of Utah voters are brainwashed in my opinion, but hopefully the rest of our country can get us out of this mess by voting out these congressman who follow Trump like a dog following his master. Republican or democrat, anyone who does see something fishy about the Russians is ignoring the facts. It’s ok to speak against Trump, you won’t be kicked out of your wards if you question him.
Russia Russia Russia.. you libs are all the same. Let it go and move on.
So now Rubio, Hatch, McCain, et al are liberals?
Yup
Given that hot take I’ll just swap “liberal” with patriot then. We are seeing people’s true colors when it comes to Russia and who is willing to set aside party politiks to protect our country.
Naw I get it Trump fanboys. Probably being too harsh on you. Every bully’s got a following of swarmy hangers-on. You guys picked Trump as your big man. Ain’t no one more alpha male than Trump… dude don’t care about no one’s feelings and says what needs sayin. Feels good to have someone strong to look up to; someone to emulate.
Especially McCain
We will move on when Trump is proven innocent by the special counsel or when you stop bringing up Hilary Clinton and blaming her for cheating in an election that she lost. Answer me this JPD, if Russia is innocent, then why did all our federal law enforcement offices agree that they did meddle in the election and why are we indicting so many people about collusion? ?
I really hope there is a pee tape because that would just be so funny, even if he doesn’t get impeached, laughing at him because of that would make it all worth while.
This really all depends on how many dead people vote Democrat this time around
So Trump said 1.8 million dead people were registered voters. If this is true and all of them voted for Clinton, she would have still over a million more popular votes than Trump if they threw them out. But you forget one thing, Trump won the election, so 1 of 3 things could have happened. 1) Trump colluded with Russia to win the Election. 2) Democrats tried to cheat by having dead people vote and the FBI help, but failed miserably. 3) Democrats didn’t cheat and Trump won fair and square. Seems to me that number 2 is false and number 1 is only partially proven. So I ask you Republicans this, why do you still think the Democrats cheated?
Luckily we have what is called the Electoral College.
So how does the “outdated and obsolete” electoral college solve any of these problems?
Makes sure dead peoples votes and areas over populated with democrats can’t screw our country up
Never Trump conservative columnists Bill Kristol, David Frum, David Brooks, George Will, Jennifer Rubin.
JPD you be acting like a Russian on-line troll. Is this your day job?
No need for name calling… Comrade
OK.
Whoops, changed my mind Little Traitor Boy.
Change of heart: Sleepy Low Energy Little Traitor Boy.
Lyin Crazy Sleepy Low Energy Little Traitor Boy. I think that’s right.
You really put your heart and soul into that one
oooooh, even earlier here. 5:44 am. Up bright and early, good time to leave momma’s basement and go out and apply for jobs.
Ah man, screwed up again. Here we go: Goofy Weak Lyin Crazy Sleepy Low Energy Little Traitor Boy
Best not to pay the “traiterboy”/jpd/ipfreely and all his other nicknames any mind. He’s a video game addicted, basement-dwelling troll. “jpd”, Kiddo, why don’t you get your LDS mission paper turned in–maybe they’ll send you somewhere fun like the congo! Either that or get a job. Maybe you can start attending singles ward and pick yourself up one of those cute little molly mormon girls! It’ll be amazing for you! You won’t even have time to troll around this news site. 😉
Always with the reference to religion
6:42am huh? If you’re up that early why not go out and look for a job?
Hahahaha… some people have to wake up early to get to work… some.. such as yourself don’t need to because of Welfare and Food stamps
but YOU don’t work.
Personal attacks won’t get you anywhere. Maybe try going back to religion
Yup, soak’in up the Welfare and Food Stamps
This guy is like Dumpster on meth. Maybe it is Dumpster on meth… Is it you “striker”? hmm
hahahahah 😉
Holy cow! For a second, I thought Bob was arguing with himself ?
hahahah, I’m not that far gone yet LB. It’s this new and “improved” version of Dumpster–I call it Dumpster on meth. He’s gone thru about 10 names on here so far. I’m trying to encourage him to leave mom’s basement, but having no luck 😉
Male Trump fans, I think I understand you. You dig being dominated and lied to by an older male figure. Female Trumpettes, WTF? Help me out on this one.
Following in the dutiful footsteps of their overbearing husbands. Its disgusting.
Hahahaha… jay bird always good for a laugh
As I sit here in my home and do not watch the news, I find myself rather content with my job and paying bill’s so I can have a car, electricity, air conditioning, hot water, cold water, a stove, a refrigerator, a bed to sleep in. I’m blessed. Did trump do this for me? No. I was homeless during Bush’s presidency. Do I blame Bush? No. Therefore, I wont give Trump credit that I’m not homeless. Glory be to God.
Do I like the idea of a wall and not giving illegals a handout? Yes, yes I do.
Do I believe Trump haters are against that idea? Yes, yes I do.
Do more people hate trump than like him? Probably.
Isnt it ironic how people against hate actually hate the President?
Y’all have a blessed day
Your entire comment is irrelevant to the topic. The only benefit of such an approach is distract and deflect from Trump’s current actions.
I don’t watch news and I think everyone, including you, is full of BS (some of it more entertaining than others)
Soooooo, the only one that is not distracted is me ✌
You have got to be one of the most illogical internet users I’ve ever met. You never take anything in context. I mean, no one said anything about watching the news (I don’t either) but you are commenting on a current event posted on a regional newspaper, ie news. And the best I can say about your distraction comment is its circular logic and reflective on your unwillingness to care about the harm your candidate is causing our country.
Is that a compliment? Lol
I saved you from destruction by casting my vote against Hitlery. You’re welcome!
Oh snap! Lol. You think I read the article. I’m just here for the comments.
Never said you read the article. I know you too well. You don’t value facts or just about anything educational. But we do get to hold you accountable to the context and content.
Russia did not influence my vote
Do you have a Facebook account? If not, then you might be correct.
Hahahaha… BF you crack me up
Do you have a FB account?
No way would I ever vote for Hillary. In fact, I will never vote for a female President.
Yikes
It’s just the way it is. You men need to step up tho. Y’all turned into cowards afraid to do the right thing.
B&F is gender confused and for gay marriage so it doesnt surprise me that it wont understand order.
All the wild speculation again. Though I do support same sex marriage. I love that everyone still thinks guessing at my gender/sex is going to do more than entertain me.
My last post is based upon what you have volunteered here to justify the inhumane policy of Trump.
I could never vote Democrat again and I used to be when I was younger. Living in California as long as I did and seeing their policies in full view along with their ever increasing move further and further left made me reevaluate my own beliefs and give them more thought than feelings. As far as politicians go though shes about as slithery a snake as they come IMO.
It shouldn’t be shocking coming from LBA. It sounds like she’s had some rough experiences, which is unfortunate enough, but she openly uses those experiences to justify horrendous logic and decisions. For instance, it sounds like she’s familiar with CPS sometime in her life and therefore uses that to justify the separation of asylum seeker’s families at the border.
On one hand I feel for her but on the other she’s used those experiences to fuel some hateful and dangerous stuff here. At some point people have to put an end to that cycle.
The details get worse every day. Trump successfully nominated an Assistant Attorney General who managed a Russian Bank. So many interesting, unAmerican ties to this administration.
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/396540-senate-confirms-trump-doj-nominee-with-ties-to-russian-bank
I’m not guessing your gender b&f. You are a male and you’re involved in the LGBT community. You like the outdoors. You claim to be agnostic. And you are pompous and put yourself on a pedestal. Have a blessed day!
Hehe, you went from “I’m not guessing your gender” to “you are a male” after initially stating “B&F is gender confused”. Which is it?
Too funny that y’all are so focused on those speculations given it has no bearing on my ideas or the context of these articles. Its why I’ve never shared my sex or gender to begin with.
It’s not a guess. You are a gay male. You are a lgbtqrst member. You believe in not labeling male or female for you believe we are all one gender and in no way should be labeled as male or female, but as people, United as one.
Ah, the entertainment gets better. Such desperation and blatant inconsistencies.
Thanks for a good laugh.
The libtards on this thread are unhinged and have reached an unprecedented level of stupid..