The interview, broadcast Thursday on RT America, occurred one day after Trump praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a stronger leader than U.S. President Barack Obama, drawing criticism from Obama and fellow Republicans.
Trump’s political opponent, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, has criticized Trump for weeks for alleged relations between Trump’s associates and Russian business people.
The interview was conducted by veteran broadcasting personality Larry King, who began the interview by saying he and the Republican presidential candidate are friends who have known each other for decades.
When King asked Trump about news reports asserting that Russia carried out recent hacks against the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Trump said he was unconvinced. “I think it’s probably unlikely. I think maybe the Democrats are putting that out. Who knows? I think it’s pretty unlikely.”
Last night, Trump chose to talk about his deep admiration and support for Putin.
Maybe he did it with a smile.
