GOP Senator differs with Trump on Russia

US President Donald Trump's latest remarks drawing an equivalence between America and its arch- enemy Russia has drawn the ire of Republicans, with a top Senator today questioning the new administration's friendly postures towards Moscow.
"Well, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is a former KGB. He's agent. He's a thug. He was not elected in a way that most people would consider a credible election. The Russians annexed Crimea, invaded Ukraine, and messed around in our elections," the Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told CNN in an interview.
He was responding to a question on Trump praising Putin in an interview to Fox News in which he also compared the US with Russia.

"No, I don't think there is any equivalency between the way the Russians conduct themselves and the way the United States does," McConnell said.
"I'm not going to critique the President's every utterance, but I do think America is exceptional. America is different. We don't operate in any way the way the Russians do. I think there is a clear distinction here that all Americans understand," he said.
On Trump's travel ban, McConnell ruled out offering legislation to carry out the ban through the Senate.

"Well, I don't know if that is necessary. I mean, the courts are going to decide whether the executive order the President issued is valid or not. We all follow court orders. The administration is following the court order, as I understand it," he said.

"The courts will ultimately determine the validity of it. But there is a fine line here between proper vetting and interfering with the kind of travel or suggesting some kind of religious test. And we need to avoid doing that kind of thing," McConnell said.
"We all want to try to keep terrorists out of the United States. But we can't shut down travel. We certainly don't want Muslim allies who have fought with us in countries overseas to not be able to travel to the US," he said.
Responding to a question on Trump slamming the federal judge who halted his executive order, McConnell said it is best not to single out judges for criticism.

McConnell, however, praised Trump for his Supreme Court pick.
"The search was handled extremely well. I want to commend the administration for that. He picked an outstanding nominee, who has got a sterling background, outstanding accomplishment at every phase of his life. And I'm very confident he will be confirmed," he added.
The Senate majority Leader said the Trump Administration will have a look at the Iranian nuclear deal.
"It was an executive agreement only. It was not a treaty. So, the Trump administration is going to have to take a look at this and decide whether they want to continue it," he said.