Crenshaw Defends Trump’s Praise of Putin: “Let Him Play This Out”

In a tense exchange on CBS’s Face the Nation, host Margaret Brennan pressed Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) over President Donald Trump’s willingness to praise Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite widespread condemnation of Putin as a “brutal dictator.”

During the Sunday interview, Brennan began by reminding Crenshaw of Putin’s controversial status. “Vladimir Putin, it sounds like you would agree, is an accused war criminal,” she said. “He is a dictator. There is a warrant out for his arrest, as you know.”

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She then confronted Crenshaw with Trump’s recent comments suggesting he would invite Putin to the United States or even visit Russia himself. “Do you think any of that is appropriate?” Brennan asked. Crenshaw defended Trump’s approach, arguing that engagement with adversaries was necessary.

“It’s more appropriate than not talking to him for the last two years, which is what President Biden did,” Crenshaw responded, taking aim at the current administration’s handling of relations with Russia.

Brennan pushed back, highlighting the distinction between diplomatic communication and extending a formal invitation. “Talking is different than inviting him to the United States,” she noted. “You can parse it out however you like,” Crenshaw replied. “But the reality is, you’re going to have to get him to the table somehow.”

The Texas congressman went on to argue that Trump’s approach to international diplomacy relied on personal relationships, often using flattery as a strategy. “Trump was good at flattering people in order to get them to the table,” Crenshaw stated.

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Brennan, however, remained skeptical. “But flattering a very brutal dictator who’s pretty cunning, frankly,” she pressed. “You really think that’s a winning strategy?” Crenshaw pushed back on the idea that Putin was as politically shrewd as many believe. “He’s not that cunning,” he said.

“I think let Trump do his campaign promise and play this out. Look, nobody’s going to take advantage of Donald Trump.” The exchange highlighted the ongoing divide in U.S. political circles over how best to handle relations with Russia.

While the Biden administration has largely taken a hardline stance against Putin, Trump and his allies argue that diplomatic engagement—even through unorthodox methods—could be more effective. With Trump a leading contender for the Republican nomination, the debate over how the U.S. should deal with Putin is expected to remain a key issue in the 2024 election cycle.

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