The reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump's Helsinki summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin from both Republicans and Democrats has been largely, although not exclusively, negative. The same goes for Kansas members of and candidates for Congress. Here's what some of them are saying:
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran
Moran was part of a delegation of Congressional Republicans who visited Russia ahead of the Helsinki summit. In a statement, he praised Trump's "dialogue and diplomacy," but was otherwise critical of the president.
My full statement on today’s Helsinki summit press conference: pic.twitter.com/pKIiNJ5m4G— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) July 16, 2018
Moran also appeared on Fox News' "Special Report" segment last night reporting on the summit and ensuing press conference. His words there echoed his statement on Twitter. Moran claims he made clear when he was in Moscow that Russian interference in U.S. elections would not be tolerated.
U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts
Roberts was also critical of Trump in a brief statement on Twitter, calling Russia a "dangerous adversary."
Russia remains a threat to our national security. Our Intelligence Community has proven Russia attempted to interfere with our elections. We have to remain vigilant when dealing with this dangerous adversary.— Pat Roberts (@SenPatRoberts) July 16, 2018
U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder
Yoder, who has more than half a dozen Democrats vying to challenge him for his 3rd District seat in November, said he stands by the U.S. intelligence community's assessment of Russian interference in the election.
“I trust our intelligence community and do believe that Russians have attempted to interfere in elections here and around the globe," Yoder said in a statement. "It’s why I voted for bipartisan sanctions on Russian officials that the President signed into law and continue to support efforts by the DOJ to hold Russian bad actors accountable.”
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes
Estes had a reaction similar to Yoder's, agreeing that U.S. intillegence officials have established a link to Russia and the 2016 election.
“I stand by U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officials who have clearly stated Russia interfered in our election, which must be safeguarded in the future. Russia is an adversary in many areas in which President Trump should hold them accountable, while seeking areas where our two countries can work together.”
Nicolas Telep is KCUR's morning news intern. You can follow him on Twitter @NDTelep.
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