local
Graham was the best kind of 'operator' in Washington
By Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
On Feb. 22, 2022, two days before Vladimir Putin sent his tanks rumbling toward Ukraine's capital, President Donald Trump said of the Russian leader: "This is genius. ... Here's a guy who's very savvy." Eight days later, Lindsey Graham offered…
Key takeaway 22, 2022, two days before Vladimir Putin sent his tanks rumbling toward Ukraine's capital, President Donald Trump said of the Russian leader: "This is genius.
Why this matters in The Waco
The recent comments from President Donald Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham on Vladimir Putin's actions have sparked debate nationwide, and Waco residents are likely wondering how such statements impact local perspectives on international relations. In a city with a strong sense of community and patriotism, the views of national leaders can influence local discussions on foreign policy and global security. As a city with a growing international student population and a thriving downtown area that attracts visitors from around the world, Waco's residents may be particularly interested in how the actions of world leaders affect global stability and diplomacy. The contrast between Trump's praise of Putin and Graham's subsequent comments will likely be a topic of interest in local coffee shops and community forums, where residents can discuss and debate the implications of such statements on the global stage and their potential impact on Central Texas.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Waco Tribune-Herald . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? On Feb. 22, 2022, two days before Vladimir Putin sent his tanks rumbling toward Ukraine's capital, President Donald Trump said of the Russian leader: "This is genius. ... Here's a guy who's very savvy." Eight days later, Lindsey Graham offered…
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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