Congressman LaHood issued the following statement following President Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland:

It is undeniable that Russia interfered with our democratic elections and continues to pose a threat to democracy both at home and abroad. These findings have been supported by both our intelligence community and the House Committee on Intelligence. Russia, Vladimir Putin, and anyone who threatens the process of free and fair elections is no friend of the United States and shouldn’t be considered an ally. Putin is an unelected dictator and thug and should be treated as such. The President and this Administration must hold Russia and Putin accountable for these actions on our democracy. President Trump should respect the findings of our intelligence professionals and assure that threats against our values and ideas are met with strong criticism and consequences.