TRUMP'S AGENDA AT G20: Smooth out perception that he is uncooperative and distance himself from Putin

U.S. Pres. Donald Trump meets with Russian leader Vladmir Putin on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany during a break from the G20 Summit. AP Photo

The G20 Summit is underway in Hamburg, Germany at the Messe Conference Center. President Donald Trump enters the arena as one of the most despised leaders in the world.  Hs focus will be on being peaceful and worthy of partnership as well as pushing back on Russian aggression in the region, thus demonstrating a disjointed relationship with Russian Pres. Putin.

Before the kick off of the morning session, Pres. Trump was photographed shaking hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who he met with yesterday and Russian Pres. Vladmir Putin who he will meet with today at 9:45 A.M./EST. Prior to this and in between summit sessions he will meet with Pres. Peña Nieto of Mexico at 7:15 A.M./EST. In the evening, the President will conclude his visit by attending the G-20 Summit Reception followed by the G20 Summit Concert and Social Dinner.

Yesterday, Pres. Trump delivered a speech in Krasinski Sqaure in Warsaw, Poland. He spoke about supporting NATO (by asking for more money from participating countries) and openly condemned Russia for conducting "destabalizing" activity in Ukraine and elsewhere and asked that they "join the community of responsible nations in our fight against common enemies and in defense of civilization itself." He did not mention the election email hacking allegations. Trump is being lauded for a well rounded, well received speech.

An American journalist who is on the trip has reported that police clashed with a group of protesters in a nearby park as they were arriving.  Also, local reports state Trump was unable to secure a hotel due to vacancies and had to stay in the state's accommodations.  It s not clear if this is the case or if Trump is being shunned overseas.