Republican response to Trump is unsettling

I have been reading Sen. Chuck Grassley's and Sen. Joni Ernst's woeful responses to President Donald Trump's endorsement of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as reported in The Gazette.

Even if the explanation for Trump's statements lies elsewhere - ego, genuine verbal missteps or willful ignorance - the most important consequence of his refusal to take a hard line against ongoing Russian interference is that he invites more of it.

Trump's actions make me believe his primary purpose for insisting on a totally private visit was twofold: He wanted Russia to continue their effort to influence the midterm election, and to learn more from Putin on how he manages to stay in power.

Grassley obviously did not watch the tape of the news conference where Trump used 'would” and not 'wouldn't.” His body language and facial expression definitely matched what he said. Apparently Iowa's U.S. senators are sticking with Trump as they and other Republicans naturally want Russia to help assure a Republican majority in the midterm elections.

At the Helsinki news conference Trump betrayed the United States and its institutions. He has done this many times before, but this time he had a bigger stage. Why are so many people accepting his fake apology?

Roger Schnittjer

Mount Vernon