You're reading: RFE/RL: Trump says was joking when thanked Putin for cutting US embassy staff

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was joking when he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering deep cuts inU.S. diplomatic staff in Russia because it saves the United States money.

“Absolutely,” Trump said on August 11 after being asked by reporters whether he was being sarcastic a day earlier when he said that he “greatly” appreciated Putin’s help in reducing the State Department’s payroll costs.

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