Trump was told “DO NOT CONGRATULATE” Putin for his election victory, but he did. It’s not the first time Trump has ignored an explicit warning not to congratulate an authoritarian leader on winning an unfair election.

Snubbing the advice of his own State Department, Trump congratulated Turkish President Erdogan after the un-democratic passage of a referendum that vastly expanded his powers.

AP: “Trump Ignores State Department Warning, Congratulates Turkey’s Erdogan After Contentious Poll Win.”

The bottom line: when it comes to authoritarian leaders seizing power, Trump simply can’t help himself from lending credibility.

China: “Trump Congratulates China's Xi On 'Extraordinary Elevation'”

North Korea: “Donald Trump Praises North Korean Leader As A 'Smart Cookie' But Says He Has 'No Idea' If He's Sane”

Saudi Arabia: “Trump Praises Saudi Royal Purge, Endorses Crown Prince’s Power Grab”

The Philippines:  “Trump Congratulates Philippine President Duterte On His Handling Of 'The Drug Problem'”

Turkey: “Trump Congratulates Erdoğan After Turkey Vote Grants Sweeping Powers”