Trump reacts to Putin's support for Harris

The Republican presidential candidate said he was not sure whether to feel insulted or grateful

Republican U.S. candidate Donald Trump said on Thursday he did not know what to make of Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that he favors his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Russian president had earlier said the same day at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that Moscow would prefer Harris to win the US presidential election in November. Putin told the audience he admired the Democratic Party candidate's “infectious laugh” and respected current President Joe Biden's decision to support her as his successor.

“He [Putin] “I supported Kamala and I didn't know whether to call him and say 'thank you so much' … I don't know exactly what to say. I don't know if I feel insulted or if he did me a favor,” Trump claimed during an event at the Economic Club of New York.

John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council, responded by saying that the Russian president should stay away from discussions about the US presidential election.

Putin's remarks came in response to a question at the forum about whether he had a preferred candidate for the US election after Joe Biden, for whom he had previously expressed a preference, dropped out.

Putin responded that it was not Russia's job to choose a “favorite” in the election; that was the job of the American voters. Moscow has repeatedly denied Washington's accusations of attempts to interfere in the US election.

READ MORE: Putin endorses Kamala Harris (VIDEO)

Referring to Harris, the Russian president said her positive attitude could lead her to refrain from imposing as many sanctions on Russia as Trump, who, according to Putin, imposed more restrictions on Moscow than any other president in American history.

“Ultimately, the decision rests with the American people and we will treat their decision with respect,” Putin said.

(RT.com)