President Donald Trump said Friday he’s considering accepting Russia President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to attend Russia’s May Day parade next year.
Trump couched the statement tough, admitting going to the event would be difficult because it would occur during the campaign season.
“President Putin invited me,” Trump told reporters on the White House lawn. “It’s a very big deal, celebrating the end of the war, etc., etc. A very big deal. I appreciate the invitation.”
President Trump says he may attend Russia's May Day Parade: "It's a very big deal, celebrating the end of the war. ... I would love to go if I could" pic.twitter.com/MIEJGGxmIi
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) November 8, 2019
Putin presides over an annual parade to commemorate the Soviet Union’s World War II victory over Nazi Germany, but the Kremlin has said the 75th anniversary next year would be marked with extra celebrations.
The news was derided by Trump’s opponents.
Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris, D-Calif., tweeted, “Always nice to spend time with supporters on the campaign trail.”
Reporter: "What do you think of the idea of President Trump going to Moscow for the May Day parade?"
— The Hill (@thehill) November 9, 2019
Joe Biden: "Are you serious?"
Reporter: "Yes, he's been invited and he said he's considering it."
Joe Biden: "You're kidding me. Whoa. Are you joking?" pic.twitter.com/n1ocjENCRm
Steven Hall, a retired CIA chief of Russian operations, on Friday tweeted: “For Putin, this would basically serve as Trump’s approval of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, military actions in Syria, and paramilitary work in Libya. All wrapped up in one nice package.”
