Trump commends Putin for expelling 750 Americans from Russia

United States president Donald Trump has commended President Vladimir Putin for expelling more than seven hundred and fifty American diplomatic staff from Russia.

The comments were immediately criticised by current and former United States officials.

congressional committees and a special counsel are investigating the conclusions of United States intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in the 2016 election campaign by hacking and other methods to help trump.

They are also looking into possible collusion between the campaign and Russian officials. Moscow has repeatedly denied meddling in the election and trump denies any campaign collision.

Putin, reacting to new sanctions imposed by the United States Congress and reluctantly signed into law by trump, ordered Washington to cut 755 of its one thousand two hundred embassies and consulate staff by September.