Trump on Putin’s alleged killing of journalists: ‘At least he’s a leader’

Donald Trump hesitated on Friday to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin for allegations the Kremlin has killed high-profile journalists critical of the leader, saying “our country does plenty of killing also.”

During an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Trump expanded upon his welcoming of praise from Putin, remarking that “when people call you brilliant, it’s always good, especially when the person heads up Russia.”

Co-host Joe Scarborough then asked Trump what he thought about the number of high-profile murders of journalists who have been critical of Putin. “He’s running his country, and at least he’s a leader, you know unlike what we have in this country,” Trump responded.

Scarborough pressed Trump again on the issue.

“Well I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe,” Trump said. “So, you know. There’s a lot of stupidity going on in the world right now, Joe. A lot of killing going on, a lot of stupidity.”

Asked then, whether he would condemn Putin’s hostility toward journalists, Trump said, “Oh sure, absolutely.”

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/trump-praises-putin-216929