By Steve Neavling
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe raised concerns that Donald Trump could potentially act as a Russian asset if he wins the presidential election, questioning the Republican candidate’s approach to Vladimir Putin.
McCabe, who was fired by Trump in 2018, expressed his concerns on a podcast when asked about the possibility of Trump being a Russian asset.
McCabe said, “I do,” when asked directly.
He then added, “I wouldn’t necessarily describe it as an actively recruited, knowing asset as understood in intelligence circles, but Donald Trump’s behavior toward Russia has certainly given us reasons to question his stance.”
McCabe also pointed out Trump’s “fawning admiration” for Putin, noting that no other president has shown such deference. In the past, Trump has made bold assertions, including the claim that Putin “would never have gone into Ukraine” if he had been president, citing his “very good relationship” with the Russian leader.
McCabe concluded by stating that Trump’s comments and behavior “all raise significant questions” about his position on Russia.
“His approach to interacting with Vladimir Putin, be it phone calls, face to face meetings, things that he has said in public about Putin all raise significant questions about why he has this attitude and acceptance of Putin and off-handed comments of support to Putin,” he said.