U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said Wednesday that he believes it would be treasonous if President Trump hands over a former American ambassador to Russian officials for questioning.

Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Russia's desire to question Michael McFaul, ambassador to Russia during the Obama administration, during their closed-door summit Monday in Helsinki, Finland, according to the White House.

Wyden, a Democrat, tweeted that if Trump helps Putin "harass and endanger" McFaul it would "meet my definition of providing aid and comfort to an enemy."

For @realDonaldTrump to help Putin harass and endanger @McFaul, an American ambassador, would meet my definition of providing aid and comfort to an enemy. https://t.co/EFSoH35xeZ — Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) July 18, 2018

The crime of treason is committed if a person owing allegiance to the United States "levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort," according to federal statute.

Several former federal officials and television pundits called Trump's conduct at the Helsinki summit treasonous or traitorous, given his siding with Putin over American intelligence officials on Russian hacking allegations. Trump later attempted to walk back those comments.

Wyden's statement goes further than others', citing a specific action by Trump that could meet the standard of treason.

Russian officials wish to question McFaul, now a professor at Stanford University, and U.S.-born investor Bill Browder because of their role in expanding sanctions against Russia or highlighting its alleged human rights abuses.

The State Department on Wednesday called the prospect of Americans being questioned by a hostile foreign power "absolutely absurd."

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, said Wednesday Trump has not committed to allowing Russians to question McFaul and Browder but believes it is an "interesting idea."

-- Gordon R. Friedman

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