Sen. Flake: 'Concern' about what Trump might promise Putin

Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, said he is concerned about what Trump might promise Russian President Vladimir Putin when the two meet this month.

"It does concern me," the Arizona senator told CNN's Dana Bash on "State of the Union" Sunday. "I'm glad that the President is talking to Vladimir Putin. I'm glad that he's talking to North Korea as well. But I am concerned, and I know there is concern across Europe, about what might be promised."

The two leaders are due to meet on July 16 in Finland, and CNN previously reported Trump plans to meet Putin one-on-one before bringing in others to join their discussions.

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During a rally in Montana on Thursday, Trump mocked critics of his approach and preparation for the summit with Putin.

"Trust me, we'll be just fine," Trump said. "Will I be prepared? Totally prepared."

In the interview Sunday, Flake contrasted Trump's warm words about Putin and other authoritarian figures to his harsher language for US allies.

"Many of us are concerned, I certainly am, about the President's ongoing rhetoric that really demeans or ridicules our allies and praises our adversaries," Flake said.

Flake said many key US allies were concerned about Trump's rhetoric on NATO, and that although he was "glad" Trump put pressure on member nations to meet their commitments to defense spending, his criticism of the NATO alliance put member nations at unease.

"When our NATO allies hear something like that, you can imagine how they feel, particularly those who are right on the front lines," Flake said.

By Eli Watkins, CNN. The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

The Gayly – July 8, 2018 @ 3:15 p.m. CDT.