Donald Trump continued to surprise and delight those who thought he would be soft on Russia by selecting Rep. Mike Pompeo as CIA Director. Pompeo is tough on both Iran and Russia.
There are few threats the US faces as great as those from #Iran. Their growing allegiance with #Russia is troubling & potentially dangerous
— Mike Pompeo (@RepMikePompeo) May 22, 2016
Just like Trump, Pompeo has long been a fierce critic of Edward Snowden’s asylum in Russia – and, like Trump, has called for Snowden to be executed.
@kaplunm
"@realDonaldTrump thoughts on Snowden being granted asylum in Russia?" No respect for U.S. by Russia.— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2013
Rep. Pompeo takes a similarly strong line on Snowden. He said on CSPAN that he wanted the spy executed.
…. we’ve had the traitor Edward Snowden steal [top secret US] information. He should be brought back from Russia and given due process, and I think the proper outcome would be that he would be given a death sentence for having put friends of mine, friends of yours, who served in the military today, at enormous risk, because of the information he stole and then released to foreign powers.
Liberals – and the Russian faction around Steve Bannon, which includes both General Flynn and Jeff Sessions – may cry and wail, but Mr. Trump has made a perfect choice here who agrees with his own anti-Snowden views.
"@CoolChange80: @realDonaldTrump Are you really calling for the execution of #Snowden ." He is a traitor, absolutely. Others won't follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2013
Trump has also stated that when he is President, Russia will have to return Snowden on the first plane – with an apology.
All I can say is that if I were President, Snowden would have already been returned to the U.S. (by their fastest jet) and with an apology!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 18, 2013
Putin will need to show Trump this respect, and CIA Director Pompeo will help. The anti-Russian Republican majority were thrilled at the appointment which represents another massive loss for Steve Bannon and a win for Paul Ryan and Reince Priebus.
Evan McMullin, former CIA agent and a Republican House operative, rejoiced in the news – and if Evan likes Pompeo, I am betting he is good people.
.@RepMikePompeo is a good pick for CIA. He's very smart, has already served our nation, actively seeks new information, & is strong-willed.
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) November 18, 2016
But McMullin was not the only one. The counter-intelligence community heaved a sigh of relief, as General Flynn is widely seen as a Putin puppet. The man running counter-intel will not compromise on Russia.
And Senator Marco Rubio was among many lawmakers who welcomed Pompeo’s appointment.
Rubio thinks choice of Pompeo a good sign for U.S. vis a vis Russia/China pic.twitter.com/kdedEi8U2l
— Joel Gehrke (@Joelmentum) November 18, 2016
PT CIA Director-designate Pompeo on intel sharing w Russia on #Syria: "Dumb idea…hope silliness of Sec Kerry will never come to fruition" pic.twitter.com/ZGfpQq2mhw
— Andrew S. Weiss (@andrewsweiss) November 18, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Rep. Mike Pompeo to serve as the next CIA director. @20committeehttps://t.co/bbHAmhdhbe
— Dave (@BSBully317) November 18, 2016
Mr. Rubio and mainstream conservatives think they have one over on Bannon with the strong anti-Snowden, tough on Putin Rep. Pompeo.
Donald Trump continues to surprise and please with many of his strong Cabinet picks and other appointments.
Read More:
https://heatst.com/politics/relax-donald-trump-is-appointing-some-truly-great-people/
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https://heatst.com/world/mr-putin-prove-you-respect-president-elect-trump-return-edward-snowden-to-america/
