Trump is in Putin’s pocket: Ex-CIA director Brennan

By
Salim Jiwa
-
Trump under fire for siding with Russian view about election interference. Kremlin Photo.

Helsinki – Outrage is sweeping throughout the world after US President Donald Trump failed to side with US Intelligence authorities, law enforcement and the US Senate on whether he believes Russia interfered in the US election.

Some in the US political arena are calling Trump’s answers at a joint news conference with Putin “treasonous” while others say it’s likely the most “shameful” moment in recent political history.

Former CIA director John Brennan slammed Trump on Twitter.

“Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of ‘high crimes & misdemeanors,’ ” Brennan said in his tweet.

“It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???”

At the same time, Putin candidly admitted that he wanted Trump to win. And that he had directed his officials to help him win. However, he denied any Russian state involvement in hacking and manipulation of public opinion or that the Russian army intelligence unit accused by special counsel Mueller played a role in the sabotage of US democracy.

Trump stood at the podium and declared before the world he doesn’t see “any reason why,” Russia would interfere.

“I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today,” Trump declared.

“I think that the probe (special counsel probe into Russian interference) is a disaster for our country. I think it’s kept us (the US and Russia) apart. I think it’s kept us separated,” he added after earlier blaming his own country as having been foolish in being hostile towards Russia.

“Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!,” he tweeted earlier.

House speaker Paul Ryan, Republican, said in a statement:.”There is no question that Russia interfered in our election and continues attempts to undermine democracy here and around the world,” he said.
“That is not just the finding of the American intelligence community but also the House Committee on Intelligence.”
 “The president must appreciate that Russia is not our ally. There is no moral equivalence between the United States and Russia, which remains hostile to our most basic values and ideals. The United States must be focused on holding Russia accountable and putting an end to its vile attacks on democracy.”
Democrats had feared that Trump would would created a foreign policy mess with Russia as he had at G7, NATO and during his UK visit with Prime Minister May.
In a letter, they had asked that the president not meet with Putin alone, fearing the veteran ex-KGB chief would outsmart Trump. They had asked for the presence of senior US intelligence and political chiefs to be present at the meeting.
However, Trump met for two hours with Putin with only two interpreters present.
Allies such as Germany worried after the meeting and press conference. Some German officials suggested Europe will have pull closer since the US is not a reliable partner anymore.
Before the summit with Putin, Trump had described the European Union as an economic “foe.”