Putin bromance has US intelligence officials fearing second Trump term

Ex-president's support for the Russian strongman has experts fretting over American interests and security sources overseas

Donald Trump's continuing lavish praise and support for Russian president Vladimir Putin are fueling alarm among former intelligence officials and other experts who fear another Trump presidency would benefit Moscow and harm American democracy and interests overseas.

Trump praised Putin as a genius" and pretty savvy" when Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, and has boasted he would end the war in a day", sparking critics' fears that if he's elected again Trump would help Russia achieve a favorable peace deal by cutting off aid to Kyiv. Trump also recently greenlit Russia to do whatever the hell they want" to Nato members who don't pay enough to the alliance.