House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said he has cautioned Donald Trump on his words and relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I spoke with him yesterday. I urged caution when it comes to this man,” the Texas Republican said on MSNBC. “I think he respects him in terms of his strength, being a strong man. I think Mr. Trump envisions himself in that light as well, but urged caution to not think that we can embrace him. Mr. Putin is not our friend.”
When asked if Trump understands that Putin is not a friend to the United States, McCaul said that his advisers do.
“Well his advisers do, and I think that’s important to note,” McCaul said. “He’s being advised by people like myself and others […] I think he has a respect for the man, but a respect —he thinks he’s in a better position than Hillary Clinton to sit in the room with them and stare him down.”
The Republican presidential nominee has not shied away from complimenting the Russian president. During a forum last week, Trump said Putin has been a leader “far more than our president has been a leader.”
Trump also said that if Putin is friendly toward him, then he will reciprocate.
