'They'd Be a Gas Station Masquerading as a Country
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Graham Urges Germany, France to Join Trump Against Russia
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Senate Armed Services Committee Member Lindsey Graham said President Trump is laying the groundwork for decimating Russia's remaining prowess on the world stage.
Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said on "The Story" that Trump's decision to expel diplomats after Russia allegedly poisoned other diplomats on British soil will "pay dividends over time."
Additionally, about two dozen other countries expelled Russian diplomats, and Trump demanded the closure of a Russian consulate in Washington State.
Martha MacCallum told Graham that Trump spoke Tuesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Graham said that if Trump can convince the two European allies to side with him and fight strongly against Russian aggression internationally, it will expose the economic weakness of the Russian Federation.
Graham said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is remaining a key player due in part to his nuclear capabilities and alliances with or support for nations like Syria and North Korea.
He alluded to the fact that, since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian economy otherwise has largely been based on oil production and exports.
The Lukoil brand is one example of Russian oil presence in the United States.
"If [Trump] could rally the world to push back against Russian aggression, and hit them economically... then Putin is basically a gas station masquerading as a country," Graham said.
Graham applauded Trump for scheduling meetings with leaders in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
He said the meetings will be a diplomatic version of "flying the NATO-American flag in Putin's face."
Watch more above.