Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday shared video from a 2016 presidential debate in which she suggested President Trump would be a “puppet” for Russian President Vladimir Putin, a nod to recent reports that the FBI launched an inquiry into whether Trump was working for Russia.
“Like I said: A puppet,” Clinton tweeted, amplifying a video of an October 2016 debate between her and Trump.
In the clip, Trump argues that Putin “has no respect” for Clinton.
{mosads}”Well that’s because he’d rather have a puppet as president,” Clinton responded.
“No puppet. No puppet,” Trump interjected. “You’re the puppet.”
Clinton argued at the debate that Trump refused to acknowledge Russian cyberattacks on the U.S., and that the then-Republican nominee shared a number of Putin’s interests.
“You continue to get help from him because he has a very clear favorite in this race,” Clinton said.
Trump’s relationship with Russia has come under fresh scrutiny following a pair of explosive reports over the weekend.
The New York Times reported Friday that the FBI was so concerned about Trump’s firing of former bureau chief James Comey that it opened an inquiry into whether the president was working on behalf of Russian interests.
The next day, The Washington Post reported that Trump has kept details of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin from top officials in his administration, including withholding notes from an interpreter.
The president initially called the reports “insulting” and “ridiculous” before offering a more direct denial on Monday.
“I never worked for Russia,” Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving to speak at a farmers’ convention in New Orleans.
“Not only did I never work for Russia, I think it’s a disgrace that you even asked that question because it’s a whole big fat hoax,” he added.
Democrats have highlighted the reports to emphasize the need for special counsel Robert Mueller to finish his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, with some House committee chairmen vowing to look into the reports.
Republicans have said they would assess additional information if it emerged, but have otherwise cited the president’s track record of sanctioning Russia and criticized the FBI.