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Rep. Waters on Trump’s Treatment of our Democratic Allies

June 1, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2017

Contact: Twaun Samuel or Rykia Dorsey

Phone: (202) 225-2201

Rep. Waters on Trump's Treatment of our Democratic Allies

Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement today regarding Donald Trump's first foreign trip as President of the United States:

"I am appalled by Donald Trump's continued castigation of countries that are considered our closest and most trusted allies among Western democracies. It should offend all patriotic Americans that this President continues to insult German Chancellor Angela Merkel while striking a more conciliatory tone with autocratic governments like Russia whose government is actively working to undermine democracy throughout Europe and in the United States. Make no mistake, Donald Trump's election was a victory for the Kremlin, and each day he remains in office bashing our institutions, offending our democratic allies, and undermining US leadership around the world, advances Putin's long-term geopolitical objectives. Even if Trump isn't Putin's puppet outright, his hubris, disregard for the truth, and apparent disdain for the press and democracy has the same effect.

"Following Trump's disastrous trip to Europe, French President Macron compared Trump to Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.[1] German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Europe can no longer rely on the United States as an ally.[2] Thomas Opperman, the leader of Germany's opposition Social Democratic Party, said Germany should reconsider sharing intelligence with the United States, because Trump's handling of classified information is a ‘security risk for the West'.[3] Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman announced that Israel is also changing the way it shares intelligence with the United States[4] following Trump's White House meeting, during which he divulging classified information to Russian officials – Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

"Donald Trump's treatment of our NATO allies stands in sharp contrast to his conciliatory and deferential tone in Saudi Arabia, where he took a bow before King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This follows Trump's statement that he would be honored to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, whom he called a ‘smart cookie.'[5] Trump has also invited Filipino autocrat Rodrigo Duterte to the White House[6] and told him he was doing an ‘unbelievable job on the drug problem' in the Philippines, where the government has brutally murdered thousands of suspected drug users.[7]

"For as long as Trump remains in office, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to preserve our international relationships and assure our allies that our democracy is strong and will survive Donald Trump's brief presidency."

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