Staff Reports
On Monday, Donald Trump criticized the US' intelligence community, calling it a collection of "misfits" and "lowlifes." He also stated that he has a better relationship with Vladimir Putin, the Russian president.
In his post on his social media platform, Trump referenced his 2018 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was asked whether he believed the US intelligence community's findings regarding Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 presidential elections. Trump then praised Putin for his strong and powerful denial of the interference. This resulted in Trump undermining both his own government and the US' allies.
It is patently absurd that Trump would still maintain his trust in Putin following his meeting with the Russian president. Since he has been briefed on the highest levels of intelligence, Trump would know that Putin is a liar. He has been known to lie about his plans and actions, as well as about his perceived enemies.
For instance, before invading Ukraine in 2022, Putin and his officials repeatedly denied the idea of a planned invasion. It is clear that Trump is admitting that he would be foolish to trust Putin with his word.
Trump's disdain for the intelligence community is also apparent in his statements about former officials such as John Brennan, Michael Hayden, and Peter Strzok. These individuals have undermined the institutions that they used to serve. They have used their position to play to Trump's perceptions of an enemy state.
For instance, Bill Burns, the director of the CIA, and Gina Haspel, the former head of the CIA, have tried to avoid becoming associated with either the Right or the Left. These officials have tried to build public trust by avoiding political affiliation.
Instead of talking about the individuals serving in the intelligence community, I would refer to them as Americans who are serving the country. They are professionals who are serving the country instead of seeking higher salaries in the private sector.
Some of the individuals who died in the line of duty are never brought home. On the CIA's memorial wall, one of the stars features a young American who served in foreign service and was killed in action. Their family deserves better than a former president.
Despite his many shortcomings, Donald Trump is still able to rely on the US' intelligence community to find his enemies. Only America's enemies would benefit from his decision to ally with Russia.
The goal of the US is to reach an agreement with its partners on certain issues through diplomatic means.
The preceding is a summary of an article that originally appeared on Washington Examiner.
