The New York Times slammed Donald Trump, saying the "bromance" between the president and Vladimir Putin has become even more "disturbing."
In an editorial, the newspaper cited Trump's weekend exchange with Bill O'Reilly from Fox News.
"Mr. Trump dismissed a question about why he respected 'a killer' like Mr. Putin by drawing a moral equivalency between the United States and Russia," the newspaper said.
"'You got a lot of killers,' Mr. Trump told Bill O'Reilly . . . 'What do you think our country's so innocent?'"
The Times editorial board noted: "But rather than endorsing American exceptionalism, Mr. Trump seemed to appreciate Mr. Putin's brutality — which includes bombing civilians in Syria and, his accusers allege, responsibility for a trail of dead political opponents and journalists at home — and suggested America acts the same way."
The newspaper acknowledged America has made its share of mistakes, including the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and torturing terrorism suspects after Sept. 11.
"But no American president has done what Mr. Putin has done in silencing nearly all independent media, crushing dissent, snuffing out Russia's once-incipient democracy, invading Ukraine, interfering in the American election — apparently on Mr. Trump's behalf — and trying to destabilize Europe," the Times said.
"Since taking office, Mr. Trump has shown little support for America's traditional roles as a champion of universal values like freedom of the press and tolerance."
The Times noted the conflict between the Ukrainian military and Russian-backed separatist reignited last week. Trump, it said, did not condemn Russia and never mentioned sanctions.
"On Monday, European Union leaders, once the weak link in standing firm against Russian aggression, vowed to uphold sanctions," it noted. "At least somebody is showing principled leadership."
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