Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, said he is concerned about what Trump might promise Russian President Vladimir Putin when the two meet this month.
During a rally in Montana on Thursday, Trump mocked critics of his approach and preparation for the summit with Putin.
« Trust me, we’ll be just fine, » Trump said. « Will I be prepared? Totally prepared. »
In the interview Sunday, Flake contrasted Trump’s warm words about Putin and other authoritarian figures to his harsher language for US allies.
« Many of us are concerned, I certainly am, about the President’s ongoing rhetoric that really demeans or ridicules our allies and praises our adversaries, » Flake said.
Flake said many key US allies were concerned about Trump’s rhetoric on NATO, and that although he was « glad » Trump put pressure on member nations to meet their commitments to defense spending, his criticism of the NATO alliance put member nations at unease.
« When our NATO allies hear something like that, you can imagine how they feel, particularly those who are right on the front lines, » Flake said.
