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White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and CNN reporter Jim Acosta debated whether President Trump has been, as he claimed, "tougher on Russia" than any previous president.

In Monday's briefing, Acosta asked Sanders if Trump's statement in that regard was "hyperbole."

Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2018

Acosta pointed to President Kennedy's Cuban blockade, President Carter's boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and President Reagan's successful demand that Mikhail Gorbachev "tear down" the Berlin Wall.

"There have been presidents over the last several decades that have been tougher on Russia [than Trump]," Acosta said.

.@PressSec: “The president and his national security team are consulting closely with allies and partners to determine the appropriate response.” pic.twitter.com/pK3YlbNJP4 — Fox News (@FoxNews) April 9, 2018

Acosta added that Trump's direct criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin by name is a "new development."

Sanders disagreed, saying Acosta only mentioned a single incident for each of the past presidents.

"Let me list a few of those actions [Trump] has taken [against Russia]," she said.

Sanders said Trump expelled 60 Russian operatives, closed two consulates, authorized "lethal aid" to Ukraine, and exported American energy to eastern European countries.

"It is without dispute that this administration, this president, has done a number of things to be tough on Russia," Sanders said.

I have been much tougher on Russia than Obama, just look at the facts. Total Fake News! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2018

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