Trump dismisses Russia dossier, Flake — and another 'Watergate'

 

WASHINGTON — Another “Watergate” … Republican unity … Uncivil politics … Hitting the media … The need to counter punch.

A routine departure from the White House Wednesday became another impromptu, free-wheeling news conference from President Trump.

Trump, who is headed to Dallas and has made a habit of stopping by the press pen upon exiting the White House, took questions Wednesday and made a variety of claims:

• The decision by congressional Republicans to investigate the Obama administration’s sale of uranium to a Russian company: “Watergate, modern day.”

• The ongoing investigation into a dossier alleging relationships between the Trump campaign and Russia: “It’s a very sad commentary on politics in this country,”

• Regarding the charge that he contributes to the negative tone of politics: “I think the press makes me more uncivil than I am. I went to an Ivy League college. I was a nice student. I did very well. I’m a very intelligent person.”

• Counter-attacking on Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., who denounced him on Tuesday: “He wrote a book about me before I ever met him … Look, his poll numbers are terrible. He would never have won … He was way down in the primary.”

• Yes, he responds aggressively to what he regards as unfair criticism: “When someone says something about you that’s false, I think it’s always OK to counter punch.”

• Still, he gets along with most Republicans: “I think the Republican Party has a pretty good unity.”

• In his tax overhaul package, he wants to protect existing rules for 401(k) accounts but they could become the subject of negotiations: “Maybe we’ll use it as negotiating but trust me … there are certain kinds of deals you don’t want to negotiate with.”

• Also: “Politics is a rough business.”
   

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