U.S. President Donald Trump explained that his increasingly
implausible denial of cooperation between his campaign and Russian state
actors was the result of a misunderstanding.
"I swear, every time someone asked me about Russian interference in the campaign, I thought they were saying Prussian interference. I mean, Prussia hasn't existed for like a
thousand years, so of course I said it was ridiculous." [Editor's
note: Prussia ceased to exist as an sovereign state in 1871.] When asked to clarify his ties with Russia,
Trump responded, "See this? [pointing to his left pinkie] This is about the only part of me not owned
by or mortgaged to some Russian. I can't
take a crap without asking for Putin's permission." Pressed further on whether there was a quid
pro quo in which the Russians provided assistance in expectations of concessions
from a Trump administration, Trump replied, "Are you kidding? It's not as if I tried to hide it."
