Former Intel Chiefs Condemn Trump's News Conference With Putin

[appalachiablue]

Source: CNN

Washington (CNN)- Former US intelligence chiefs expressed astonishment and condemnation Monday in response to President Donald Trump's comments at Monday's news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with former CIA Director John Brennan calling the US President's performance "nothing short of treasonous."

Following his one-on-one meeting with Putin in Helsinki, Finland, Trump declined to endorse the US intelligence community's assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 election over President Putin's denial, saying the Russian President was "extremely strong and powerful" in his denial.

"Donald Trump's press conference in Helsinki rises to and exceeds the threshold of 'high crimes & misdemeanors.' It was nothing short of treasonous," Brennan, a frequent critic of Trump who served as CIA chief from 2013 through Jan. 2017, tweeted during the event. "Not only were Trump's comments imbecilic, he's wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???"

Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said "Trump failed America today," but stopped short of calling the President's behavior treasonous...More..



Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/16/politics/john-brennan-donald-trump-treasonous-vladimir-putin/index.html

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Along with Brennan and Hagel, another defense secretary, Ash Carter, said the news conference was "like watching the destruction of a cathedral."

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who served during the Obama administration, called the press conference "truly unbelievable."

Former CIA and National Security Agency Director Michael Hayden, who led the NSA during the final years of George W. Bush's presidency, also expressed dismay over the President's performance.

>CNN report and VIDEO of Anderson Cooper discussion with panelists.



- John O. Brennan



- Chuck Hagel



- Ash Carter



- James Clapper



- Michael Hayden

[louis-t]

1. I do like "Surrender Summit".

The term is being used widely.

[appalachiablue]

2. That fits, and might even go into the history books!

[bucolic_frolic]

3. There was report today that current CI chiefs met impromptu mid-morning

and a report in passing on Twitter that Rosenstein was seen leaving the White House around 11:30AM

Wondered if the two were connected, but not been able to tease out any further info

[appalachiablue]

4. That is significant, and Rosenstein needs to remain, absolutely.