Chabot: 'We need to know' about Trump-Putin link
HARRISON, Ohio – Congressman Steve Chabot on Thursday expressed concern specifically about President Donald Trump's possible connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin, another sign the long-time lawmaker from Cincinnati isn't afraid to take on his fellow Republican.
"He does seem to be an admirer to some degree of Putin," Chabot told about 45 people gathered for the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce's annual breakfast. "It hasn't (resulted) in actions at this point. (Trump is) only a month in, but I am concerned because Putin is a thug. He is the enemy of the United States."
Chabot previously had expressed concerns about the White House's relationship with Russia, but it was the first time he publicly mentioned the possible link between Trump and Putin.
Chabot sits on the House Judiciary Committee, one of five congressional committees currently investigating the Trump administration's connections to Russia. USA TODAY reported the investigations specifically center on Trump's handling of information about his aides' contacts with the Russian government. Chabot reiterated he supports the investigations, adding that "we need to know about" Trump and Putin.
The Westwood lawmaker's comments came a day after Chabot called out Trump in a blog post for saying the media is "the enemy of the American people." In the open letter, Chabot said the media might be biased but it's not an enemy.
As Chabot spoke inside a VFW Hall, more than 20 protesters stood outside along a rural route adjacent to a hay field. Michele Young, who was Chabot's little-known Democratic opponent in the November election, helped organize the small group of protesters. The breakfast was a ticketed event, and thus not open to the public. Young had a $25 ticket and sat with the group of Harrison business and community leaders who listened to Chabot's half-hour speech.
The protest was peaceful, and the group of mostly middle-aged white men and women held signs opposing Trump's plan to repeal Obamacare; demanding town hall meetings with Chabot and Washington lawmakers; and questioning the Russian connection.
One protester held a sign that read: "The Russian stuff should concern you."
Across the nation, anti-Trump protesters have been showing up outside events where GOP lawmakers are scheduled to speak. Protesters have been demanding in-person town hall meetings with lawmakers in order to express their frustrations and concerns about Trump.
Inside the hall, Chabot was asked about whether he planned to hold an in-person town hall meeting soon. But he was noncommittal, saying he likes the phone-in town hall meetings because "we can get a whole lot more people on the line."
Chabot entered and left the VFW hall through a back door. He did not stop to address the protesters nor did he take questions from reporters.
Follow Enquirer political reporter Jason Williams on Twitter @jwilliamscincy. Click here to read his weekly Politics Extra column.
