President Trump defended his phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating him on re-election and criticized his predecessors for not having the “smarts,” “energy or chemistry” to develop good relations with Russia.

“I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing," Trump tweeted Wednesday.

“They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the ‘smarts.’ Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH!” the president said in a subsequent tweet.



I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory (in past, Obama called him also). The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! Getting along with Russia (and others) is a good thing, not a bad thing....... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018

.....They can help solve problems with North Korea, Syria, Ukraine, ISIS, Iran and even the coming Arms Race. Bush tried to get along, but didn’t have the “smarts.” Obama and Clinton tried, but didn’t have the energy or chemistry (remember RESET). PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2018

Trump has come under fire for his congratulatory call to Putin after the Russian president was elected to a fourth term.

Trump’s national security officials reportedly advised him not to extend his congratulations to Putin, a request Trump ignored.

The president's national security aides also urged him to raise the recent nerve-agent attack on a former Russian agent with Putin during Tuesday’s call, which Trump also did not do.

The president’s call to Putin has earned him criticism from not only Democrats, but also Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., denounced Trump for congratulating Putin on “winning sham elections.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also told reporters Tuesday calling Putin “wouldn’t have been high on my list.”

