President Trump Thanks Vladimir Putin For Sanctions Retaliation, Promises Anti-Missile Defense

BEDMINSTER, NJ — In another twist in the ongoing mystery that is President Trump's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the American leader thanked the former KGB agent for cutting 755 people from the U.S. diplomatic staff in the rival nation.

“I want to thank him because we’re trying to cut down our payroll," Trump said to a reporter who asked about Putin's move, which came in response to a tough sanctions bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the president. "And as far as I’m concerned, I’m very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll. There’s no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that we’ve been able to cut our payroll of the United States. We’re going to save a lot of money.”

Many observers pointed out that the Trump White House had largely ignored Putin's retaliatory action, which was an unusual position for the administration to take. Trump's comments on Thursday, given to the press during a brief meeting at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, took an unusual stance and made it even more bizarre. (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Watch: Trump Thanks Putin For Expelling US Diplomats From Russia

When Trump signed the sanctions into law, he issued a statement sharing his dissatisfaction with the bill, which limited the president's ability to unilaterally ease sanctions on Russia.

Trump was also asked about his reaction to the FBI's raid of the home of his former Campaign Manager Paul Manafort. The president said it was a "very, very strong signal, or whatever."

"I’ve always found Paul Manafort to be a very decent man," he said.

On the topic of leaks, Trump said that leaks that affect national security are very serious.

“And then you have the leaks where people want to love me, and they’re all fighting for my love," he said. "Frankly, I’m somewhat honored.”

Trump added that he plans to propose billions of dollars of funding for anti-missile defenses.

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Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images