
Russian president Vladimir Putin declared that Donald Trump is "acting in accordance" with the Constitution after his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey while the bureau is investigating Russian meddling in the presidential election.

Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on Donald Trump's decision to fire FBI director James Comey, telling CBS reporter Eliza Palmer that Trump is "acting in accordance with his competence, in accordance with his law, the Constitution."

Trump decided to fire Comey after reportedly issuing a request for "a significant increase in money and personnel for the bureau’s investigation into Russia’s interference in the presidential election" to the Department of Justice.

Putin apparently approves:

Our @elizapalmer caught Russian Pres. Putin rink side and asked him about the firing of former. Dir. Comey. pic.twitter.com/3nytJYi0si — CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) May 10, 2017


PALMER: How will the firing of James Comey affect U.S.-Russia relations? PUTIN: There will be no effect. Your question looks very funny for me. Don't be angry with me. We have nothing to do with that. President Trump is acting in accordance with his competence and in accordance with his law, the Constitution.

Leading figures like Sen. Tim Kaine have said that the decision to fire Comey is part of a pattern of behavior from Trump attempting to hide the fallout from investigations into Russia's election tampering, while Sen. Chuck Schumer described the action as a "cover-up."

It is also the latest action in a pattern of authoritarian behavior from Trump, coupled with his praise of international dictators who have cracked down on free speech and expression.