Trump says was being 'sarcastic' in thanking Putin for embassy staff cuts

By James OliphantBEDMINSTER, NJ (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday he was being sarcastic when he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for saving the United States money by ordering cuts in U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia.Asked whether he was being sarcastic, Trump told reporters:"In order to reduce our payroll, absolutely.Breaking nearly two weeks of silence on Putin's July 30 order cutting U.S. embassy and consulate staff by nearly two thirds, Trump said on Thursday:"I'm ver