Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that there would be no response to a new batch of U.S. sanctions, a move that drew praise from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Alexei Druzhinin AP
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Trump’s effusive words were particularly striking given the bipartisan view of Putin as more adversary than ally.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said they supported the Obama administration’s move to expel Russian diplomats and block access to two properties owned by its government.

During an interview with CNN, Mike Pence stated that Vladimir Putin was "inarguably" a better leader than President Obama. Hillary Clinton took to the tarmac to attack Trump's "admiration" for the Russian leader.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., is expected to call a hearing on Russia’s cyberactivities when the new Congress convenes next week.

December 30, 2016