Trump: I Might Meet With Putin Before Inauguration

In an interview with conservative talk-radio host Michael Savage on Monday, Donald Trump said the current U.S. leadership is too hard on Russian President Vladimir Putin. “They insult him constantly—I mean, no wonder he can’t stand Obama and Hillary Clinton,” Trump said. Saying Clinton “shouldn’t be talking so tough” on Russia, Trump said the country could be a helpful ally in fighting ISIS in Syria. “If I win on Nov. 8, I could see myself meeting with Putin and meeting with Russia prior to the start of the administration,” Trump said. The Republican nominee has repeatedly expressed admiration of Putin throughout his campaign, drawing heated criticism from many who suspect he’s a useful idiot for the Kremlin.