President Trump is being played by President Putin. That was the belief of two former officials. They believed Putin knew just what to do with Trump to mislead him.
Trump had received criticism while on his Asian tour. Democrats and others were shocked at how easily Trump accepted Putin’s response about meddling.
Trump had said there was no collusion. One can only wonder if his dialogue was a tactic to undermine the Russian probe.
Regardless of the motive, the issue hasn’t gone down well with many. This caused a slight shift in comments on the President’s part, but doubts remain.
Putin’s Puppet?
John Brennan said “by not confronting the issue directly and not acknowledging to Putin that we know you’re responsible for this, I think he’s giving Putin a pass.”
Brennan was once the Director of the CIA. He said “I think it demonstrates to Mr. Putin that Donald Trump can be played by foreign leaders who are going to appeal to his ego and try to play upon his insecurities, which is very, very worrisome from a national security standpoint.”
Former Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. agrees. Clapper said “he seems very susceptible to rolling out the red carpet and honor guards and all the trappings and pomp and circumstance that come with the office, and I think that appeals to him, and I think it plays to his insecurities.”
