Trump briefed on Russian bounties in February: reportPresident Donald Trump has come under increasing pressure to explain US media reports that he was informed that Russian military intelligence had offered and paid cash to Taliban-linked militants for US soldiers' deaths. Ratcliffe and national security advisor Robert O'Brien condemned leaks to the media over the intelligence in statements late Monday. "Because the allegations in recent press articles have not been verified or substantiated by the intelligence community, President Trump had not been briefed on the items," O'Brien said. "Nevertheless, the administration, including the National Security Council staff, have been preparing should the situation warrant action." "And since when is Trump briefed only on fully verified information?

Source: Bangkok Post June 30, 2020 05:26 UTC