Rep. Roskam Speaks Out Against Trump-Putin Press Conference

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Donald Trump is not unfamiliar with being in the so-called hot seat, but he is now facing vocal opposition from his own party in the wake of his recent meeting and press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland. Republican lawmakers across America, including Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL-6) have released media statements and taken to Twitter and Facebook to condemn the meeting.

Slamming Putin as a "brutal dictator who has undermined our democratic institutions," in a media statement, Roskam called the press conference an "affront to American democracy and the Intelligence Community and a victory for Russian propaganda."

Read Roskam's full statement below:

"Russia’s interference with our democratic process is appalling and undeniable. The President has a responsibility to not only confront Vladimir Putin for attacking our democracy, but to use all tools available to prevent future acts of aggression that could undermine the cornerstone of our republic – free and fair elections. Vladimir Putin is not our ally – he is a brutal dictator who has undermined our democratic institutions; invaded and continues to illegally occupy the territory of our allies Ukraine and Georgia; and continues to support the massacre of hundreds of thousands in Syria. We must maintain a united front with our partners around the world to confront Russian aggression. Today’s press conference was an affront to American democracy and the Intelligence Community and a victory for Russian propaganda. The President has a duty to hold Vladimir Putin to account."

Image credit: Getty Images/Alex Wong / Staff