Trump acknowledged Russian cyber-attacks

The first Donald Trump’s press conference after he was elected President of the US (and generally the first in the past six months) has generated a great resonance not only in the United States but across the world. And it seems that the event lived up to the expectations of many. Indeed, Trump, who has previously avoided answering the questions about a possible Russian intervention into the American election campaign, acknowledged that Russia had orchestrated cyber attacks on the US institutions, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible. “He shouldn’t have done it. I don’t believe that he will be doing it more now,” assured Trump. However, he expressed doubt that he can communicate with the Russian leader. “Now, I don’t know that I’m gonna get along with Vladimir Putin. I hope I do. But there’s a good chance I won’t,” as the media quotes Trump’s words.

After being asked about alleged Russian dirt on him, President-elect said that he has no debts and affairs with Russia.

“He shouldn’t be doing it [the hacking]. He won’t be doing it. Russia will have much greater respect for our country when I’m leading,” he said.

He said Vice President Mike Pence is preparing the construction of the border wall with Mexico. “I don’t feel like waiting a year or a year-and-a-half. We’re going to start building. Mexico […] will reimburse us for the cost of the wall,” assured Trump. In addition, he also promised a high tax on all goods manufactured abroad. “I think a lot of industries are going to be coming back,” he said.

The press conference did not go without an incident with the media. Trump refused to answer questions of CNN, calling the organization “fake news.”

COMMENTARIES

Lincoln MITCHELL, political scientist, former professor of the Columbia University, author of the book The Democracy Promotion Paradox:

“If any other President or President-elect had given that press conference, the media would be filled with stories about the mental health of the president. Donald Trump exhibited his usual lack of familiarity with English grammar, repeated himself, changed the subject frequently and rarely gave straight answers to questions during the 20 minutes he was at the podium. Although, he spoke with enthusiasm at times about his presidency, his demeanor was that of an embattled or scandal-ridden president several years into his presidency-like Nixon during Watergate or Reagan at the depth of the Iran-Contra scandal.

“It is hard to know what is true in these new rumors about Trump and Russia, but the core truth that Putin intervened on behalf of Trump in this election is still out there and not something Trump wants to discuss with the American people. Trump is hostile to the media because that is what his base wants.

“It will be difficult for Trump to deliver on his policy promises, so continuing to show maintain his image as the guy who stands up to the media and to the liberal elites is so important to maintaining his support. Trump does not seem particularly interested in being President to all Americans, and a substantial proportion of Americans remain very concerned about his connections to Putin, lack of qualifications and tenuous understanding of democracy.”

Aubrey JEWETT, professor of the Department of Political Science, University of Central Florida:

“The press conference went much as I expected it might. Trump was combative, assertive, and entertaining and did not back down from, or apologize for, any controversies. The press conference was informative and had new information on a variety of topics: how he will handle his potential conflicts of interest in business; his views on the fake news controversy about Russia having compromising information on him; who he will nominate for VA secretary; when he will nominate a replacement for the Supreme Court; what his plans are for repealing and replacing Obamacare; and his plans for building a border wall with Mexico and having them pay for it (most likely through taxes).

“I was impressed by Trump’s ability to continue communicating in the same style and manner as when he was campaigning. I thought he might be a little more subdued, but he was not.

“I did not see many signs that Trump is going to moderate his positions very much. Trump will be president of all the United States, but many people did not vote for him and do not like many of his core policies and are not going to be happy with him when he talks about implementing them (and if and when he actually begins moving forward on them).

“Trump has been at odds with much of the main stream media since he began his campaign. This has certainly not changed as he is about to become president. Partly this is a strategy, but it is also just the fact that much of the traditional main stream media in the United States is liberal and favors the Democratic Party – this is also true of a number of internet news sites like Buzz Feed. Trump’s supporters like Trump even more when he attacks the media and does not back down from them. Trump’s relationship with the media will continue to be prickly throughout his term in office most likely.”