Trump congratulated Putin despite advisers' reported “DO NOT CONGRATULATE” warning

Date: 2018-03-20
Entry type: authoritarian-alignment
Current status: Trump confirmed the congratulatory call; the briefing warning was reported by multiple outlets.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-03

Entities and roles

Vladimir PutinRussian president receiving congratulations
Donald J. Trumppresident making the congratulatory call

Claims and evidence

factreported
Trump confirmed that he congratulated Vladimir Putin on his 2018 election victory despite reported briefing instructions stating “DO NOT CONGRATULATE.”
- Associated Press via MPR News: Briefing papers warned Trump: 'DO NOT CONGRATULATE' PutinAssociated Press report on March 20 call and briefing materials