Trump: I was not told about ‘Russian bounties’ plot because it was not credible

Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered cash to Taliban militants for successful attacks on coalition troops in Afghanistan

Donald Trump, right, meets with Russian president Vladimir Putin during a G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan on 28 June 2019. Photograph: Susan Walsh/AP

Donald Trump has said intelligence about a Russian plot to offer bounties to Taliban militants in exchange for fatal attacks on coalition troops in Afghanistan was not “credible” and was therefore not reported to him.

Top administration officials, including members of Trump’s national security council, have been discussing the Russian bounty offer for months, the New York Times first reported.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump claimed never to have heard about the Russian offer – and he questioned whether such an offer had been made.

Warnings about the suspected Russian plot were sent up the intelligence chain in January, the Times reported.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany issued a statement Saturday denying that Trump had been briefed but saying “this does not speak to the merit of the alleged intelligence”.

INNER WORKINGS (June 29) —

What didn’t I know?

When didn’t I know it?

Everything.

All of the time.

I already knew

what I needed to know.

And knowing that,

I knew I was fine.

Experts.

The people who say they know stuff?

Really know nothing. I say they’re bluffing.

With an enormous brain nearly big as my butt,

I don’t need “intelligence”. I’ve got my gut.

Meetings and briefings. So damned much squawking.

I only listen when I am talking.
I need no “facts”. “Facts” can not faze me.
I only listen when people praise me.
I love when they speak of my fabulous wealth,
but when I need it done right, I do it myself.