As Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked and unjustified attack on millions of Ukrainian civilians, Donald Trump was praising his favorite authoritarian leader instead of standing with America in the face of Russia’s aggression. 

Last night, as Russia launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine, Trump was on Fox News spreading lies, justifying Putin’s decision, and attacking the American president.

Jim Acosta, CNN: “As Russia attacks Ukraine, Putin is spreading lies via Russian state media and Trump is spreading lies via Fox.”

Michael Beschloss: “Trump is angrily denouncing a President right now on Fox News, and it’s not Putin.”

While Republicans try to pass blame and defend the former president, Trump has been busy praising Putin as a smart and savvy leader. 

Fox News: “‘TRUMP WAS STRONG’: GOP senator @LindseyGrahamSC blames ‘weak’ Biden for Russia-Ukraine crisis.”

Shane Goldmacher, New York Times: “Trump waded back into the Putin is ‘smart’ territory: ‘I mean he’s taking over a country for $2 worth of sanctions, I’d say that’s pretty smart.’ He said of Ukraine: ‘great piece of land with a lot of people, and just walking right in. This would have never happened.’”

Matt Fuller, The Daily Beast: “This attack is no one but Vladimir Putin’s fault, but as you desperately try to blame Joe Biden, maybe keep in mind that Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin a ‘genius’ and ‘savvy’ yesterday thanks.”

Let’s not forget all of the Republican leaders who have abandoned our allies and are spewing Russian talking points and praise for Putin. 

Kansas City Star: “Mike Pompeo has lauded the Russian strongman over the past month as a ‘talented,’ ‘savvy,’ ‘capable statesman,’ offering his praise during a slew of interviews after his political action committee spent $30,000 on improving his performance in media appearances.”

Howard Kurtz, Fox News: “Trump, allies defend or deflect Putin’s invasion”

Kansas City Star Editorial Board: “[Josh Hawley’s] public two-step about the Russian threat — amplified by countless tweets and television appearances — has clearly provided aid and comfort to Putin and hard-liners in Russia.”

Politico: “But a vocal GOP minority on and off Capitol Hill — represented by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance, among others — has taken a third path, actively arguing against any U.S. involvement in the region while still dinging Biden.”

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