How the Mass. congressional delegation is reacting to Trump’s press conference with Putin

“He is Putin's puppet & his remarks are an utter disgrace.”

updated on July 16, 2018

Members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation are condemning comments made by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland.

Trump said he and Putin “spent a great deal of time” discussing allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 election as they met for several hours Monday prior to the public appearance. But Trump did not condemn the interference, which U.S. intelligence agencies insist occurred, and reiterated that there was “no collusion” between his campaign and the Russians.

Here’s what Massachusetts politicians are saying about the summit and the statements made during the press conference:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren:

Once again, @realDonaldTrump takes to the international stage to embarrass America, undermine our institutions, weaken our alliances, & embrace a dictator. Russia interfered in our elections & attacked our democracy. Putin must be held accountable – not rewarded. Disgraceful.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 16, 2018

Sen. Ed Markey:

Trump wasted this opportunity, undermined his own intelligence community, and disgraced the office of the Presidency. Putin got everything he could have wanted from this meeting, while the U.S. got nothing. The #Helsinki Humiliation is a national embarrassment.

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) July 16, 2018

Rep. Jim McGovern:

72 hours ago, our own Justice Department indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers for interfering in our election — but @realDonaldTrump STILL sides with Putin over U.S.

He is Putin's puppet & his remarks are an utter disgrace. pic.twitter.com/6PU5Nu3zHO

— Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) July 16, 2018

Rep. Niki Tsongas:

Never in the history of this country has any American President put the interests of an adversary above our own. A man who would betray this country sits in the White House.

— Niki Tsongas (@nikiinthehouse) July 16, 2018

Rep. Joe Kennedy III:

And that was only what we saw on live TV. @realDonaldTrump’s translator should come before Congress and testify as to what was said privately immediately. If Republicans are as outraged as they claim, then issue the subpoena today. 2/2

— Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) July 16, 2018

Rep. Katherine Clark:

#Helsinki was our moment to hold Russia accountable, to stand up for the US, democracy & the foundation of our gov't: free & fair elections. Trump disgraced the people & institutions that work in our defense by instead showing his loyalty to Putin. Both disgusting and dangerous.

— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) July 16, 2018

Rep. Seth Moulton:

.@POTUS should focus his attention on strengthening our relationships with our most important European partners & holding Russia accountable for its destabilizing actions. Instead, he continues his pattern of alienating our allies & embracing our adversaries #Helsinki2018

— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) July 16, 2018