Yesterday was a big day for President Trump – he had a lot to say about Russia, the status of our troops in Afghanistan, gun control – and Jewish people who continue to support Democrats.
President Trump says Russia should be allowed to participate in the G8 Summit. Speaking at the White House, Trump said former President Barack Obama wanted Russia out, but he wants them back in. Trump said if someone were to make a motion to include Russia again, he would consider supporting it "very favorably." As you might recall, the political forum was reformatted as the G7 after Russia was suspended in 2014 following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.
While he decried the continued involvement of American troops in Afghanistan a few days ago – now, he’s alright with it. Trump says the U.S. is bringing some troops back from Afghanistan, but "we have to have a presence." Reflecting on the war in Afghanistan nearing 18 years, he added "we're almost more of a police force over there” and that we shouldn’t be. And once again, Trump referred to Afghanistan as "the Harvard University of terrorism."
But some of his more confusing commentary was on the subject of guns. While saying repeatedly that he’s very motivated to expand meaningful background checks in recent days – that’s over. And according to sources, his shift came after speaking to the head of the NRA. Trump now says he does not support universal background checks. He also echoed the National Rife Association's stance that gun legislation is a "slippery slope."
Stepping into a very touchy spot, Trump says that Jewish people who vote for Democrats are showing either "a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty." He made the remark as he slammed Democrats for supporting Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib [[tah-LEEB]]. Trump noted that Michigan's Tlaib has said "horrible things" about Israel, adding that Minnesota's Omar is "a disaster for Jewish people." He questioned why the Democratic Party is standing behind the pair. Jewish leaders have not responded kindly.
Source: White House