When former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul heard that President Trump had thanked Vladimir Putin for expelling 755 diplomats, he was livid.
During a press conference at his New Jersey golf club on Thursday, Trump said (possibly sarcastically) that he wanted to thank Putin for making the move “because we’re trying to cut down our payroll and as far as I’m concerned I’m very thankful that he let go of a large number of people.”
“There’s no real reason for them to go back,” Trump added.
McFaul, who served as ambassador from 2011 to 2014, spoke out about his feelings on Twitter and accused Trump of not understanding the value of having American diplomats abroad.
You can see his full tweetstorm below:
Trump just applauded cuts of 755 in Russian embassy. Maybe he should look to trim his own staff? https://t.co/KKF0tP0PL2
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
You realize Mr. President that the State Dept organizes US delegations to GES — those same people you just said were not needed in Russia. https://t.co/wCGRJrkcO0
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
That @realDonaldTrump praised Putin today for cutting 755 people from our embassy in Russia shows that he doesn't understand diplomacy.
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
Our diplomats, professional staff, and military serving in Russia provide Washington with invaluable information about Russia. https://t.co/6XHtSZkSWm
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
Imagine wanting to know less about Russia's military modernization! That's what Trump praised today. https://t.co/qMorkknjhU
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
Imagine wanting to know less about Russian foreign policy intentions and plans ! That's what embassy personnel reductions will do. https://t.co/O1XP5Upyr5
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
Imagine wanting to have less capability to gather data about dangerous transnational diseases originating in Russia!Trump seems to want that https://t.co/xTVOkVohre
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
Imagine dissing Americans –patriots serving our country under difficult conditions in Russia -to praise Putin. Our president did today. https://t.co/KovoLuMISa
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 10, 2017
Punk Putin?! Cmon man ! I know Putin. He is not punked by these silly comments. Putin will see Trumps comments as another sign of weakness https://t.co/eO4XKWc8sw
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 11, 2017
If that was his intent, he has failed in achieving his objectives https://t.co/eO4XKWc8sw
— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) August 11, 2017
Featured image via Gage Skidmore
