NEW YORK – Former CIA Director John Brennan has suggested that Russia mayhave compromising information on President Donald Trump and is using it toexercise power over him.
Brennan, who served under the Obama administration, told MSNBC-TV thatTrump’s congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin in thewake of his controversial reelection this week, suggested that Trump wasscared to cross the Russian leader.
“I think he’s afraid of the President of Russia,” Brennan said onWednesday. “I think one can speculate as to why, that the Russians may havesomething on him personally that they could always roll out and make hislife more difficult.”Brennan noted Trump’s long history of praise for the Russian leader.
“Clearly I think it’s important for us to be able to improve relations withRussia,” he said. “But the fact that he’s had this fawning attitude towardMr. Putin, has not said anything negative about him, continues to say to methat he has something to fear, and has something very serious to fear.”
Trump gave his congratulations to Putin during a phone call Tuesday afterthe Russian president was reelected to another six-year term with more than75% of the vote. But election observers claimed numerous violations,including ballot stuffing and voter coercion.
Trump gave his congratulatory message despite an apparent reminder on hisbriefing materials prepared by advisers that read, in capital letters, “DONOT CONGRATULATE.” – APP