Some republicans are criticizing President Obama for getting friendly with Venezuela leader, Hugo Chavez.

During the Summit of the Americas, a photo was taken of President Obama shaking hands with Chavez. In the picture, both men are smiling.

Republican Senator, John Ensign, of Nevada says it's irresponsible for the president to be acting that way.

"I think it was irresponsible for the president to be seen kind of laughing and joking with Hugo Chavez," he said.

"This is, you know, this is a person along the lines with Fidel Castro and the types of dictatorship that he has down there in Venezuela and the Anti-Americanism that he has been spreading around the world is not somebody the President of the United States should be seen as having kind of friendly relations with."

President Obama is defending his actions, and says shaking hands with Chavez does not endanger the interests of the United States.