CIA chief warns Donald Trump
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WASHINGTON: (APP) Outgoing CIA chief John Brennan on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump, warning him to watch what he says and suggesting the president-elect doesn't understand the challenges posed by Russia.
Brennan's stern words -- which sparked a quick Twitter retort from Trump -- were the latest salvo in the ongoing feud between the incoming Republican leader and US intelligence agencies, who have concluded Moscow meddled in the November election.
The 70-year-old Trump, who takes office on Friday, has nevertheless been effusive in his praise of Vladimir Putin, saying that if the Russian leader "likes" him, it would be an "asset" to help repair strained ties with Moscow.
The Senate Intelligence committee meanwhile has launched a bipartisan probe into Moscow's alleged interference in US politics -- which could force officials in both Barack Obama's administration and Trump's government to testify.
"I don't think he has a full appreciation of Russian capabilities, Russia's intentions and actions," Brennan said of Trump on Fox News Sunday.
"I think Mr. Trump has to be very disciplined in terms of what it is that he says publicly," Brennan said.
"He is going to be, in a few days' time, the most powerful person in the world, in terms of sitting on top of the United States government and I think he has to recognize that his words do have impact," the CIA chief added.
"He's going to have the opportunity to do something for national security as opposed to talking and tweeting," he said.
"Spontaneity is not something that protects national security interests."
