Former President Donald Trump labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin “smart” because of the way he moved to invade Ukraine.
During an event at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, Trump said, “He’s taking over a country for $2 worth of sanctions. I’d say that’s pretty smart.”
“He’s taking over a country, literally a vast, vast location. A great piece of land with a lot of people and just walking right in. This would have never happened, ever in a million years, it would have never happened.”
Watch the video below:
NEW: Donald Trump AGAIN repeatedly praised Vladimir Putin from a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser tonight — attended by #NCSen candidate @TedBuddNC, #NVSen candidate @AdamLaxalt, and #GASen candidate @HerschelWalker. pic.twitter.com/TPptW6czHM
— American Bridge 21st Century (@American_Bridge) February 24, 2022
During an appearance on Fox News later on Wednesday, Trump claimed, “He sees the weakness and the incompetence and the stupidity of this administration.”
“As an American, I am angry about it, and I’m saddened by it. It happened because of a rigged election,” he added.
Hours after calling Vladimir Putin "smart" for invading Ukraine, former President Trump blames the invasion on the "rigged election." pic.twitter.com/MYLJrUHxIS
— The Recount (@therecount) February 24, 2022
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 presidential election was “rigged.” However, several recounts and legal challenges did not change the results of the election or find evidence to support his claim.
Putin announced on Wednesday night that Russia would conduct a military operation in eastern Ukraine with the goal of demilitarizing the country. However, Russian strikes have been conducted in western portions of the country.
President Joe Biden is expected to announce new “severe sanctions” against Russia in response to its invasion.
Trump received criticism for his comments on Twitter:
Trump praising Putin (again) tonight. Doing it on the day he invades Ukraine. Sickening.
— Tim Hogan (@timjhogan) February 24, 2022
“I mean, he’s taking over a country for $2 worth of sanctions. I’d say that’s pretty smart.” pic.twitter.com/QXtwzB6EV6
This is so hideous. Trump continues to praise Putin’s “genius” invasion of Ukraine: “I mean, he’s taking over a country for two dollars worth of sanctions. I’d say that’s pretty smart.” pic.twitter.com/qznqLvhXqZ
— Mark Follman (@markfollman) February 24, 2022
During an interview with conservative radio host Buck Sexton earlier this week, Trump said, “Putin declares a big portion of the Ukraine — of Ukraine. Putin declares it as independent. Oh, that’s wonderful. So, Putin is now saying, ‘It’s independent,’ a large section of Ukraine. I said, ‘How smart is that?’ And he’s gonna go in and be a peacekeeper. That’s strongest peace force … We could use that on our southern border.”
“You gotta say that’s pretty savvy,” he added.