Putin expels U.S. diplomats. Trump says ‘Thank you’

While taking questions from the press this Thursday, President Trump took the unusual move of thanking a foreign leader for kicking out diplomats as a response to sanctions.

In response to new sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the U.S. to cut its diplomatic staff by 755 people. But according to Trump, Putin’s move helps the U.S. cut down on expenses.

“I want to thank him 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 because now we have a smaller payroll,” Trump told reporters while vacationing at his New Jersey golf club.

“There’s no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that we’ve been able to cut our payroll of the United States,” he continued. “We’re going to save a lot of money.”

Putin’s decision came after new sanctions targeting Russia were overwhelmingly passed by Congress in response to Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election. Trump reluctantly signed the sanctions into law.

Watch the video below:

Featured image via screen grab

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.