Leon Panetta Challenges Trump's CIA Comments

Former CIA Director Leon Panetta has challenged President Donald Trump's recent comments about the agency.

The veteran who previously served in Trump’s administration stated the president "doesn't know what he's talking about" when discussing the CIA.

Leon Panetta, who served as CIA director under President Bill Clinton and as defense secretary under President Barack Obama, said in an interview with CNN that Trump's comments about the agency were "outrageous" and "false." The former CIA director stated that Trump's claim the CIA had been involved in a plot to overthrow him was "absolutely ridiculous" with no evidence to support it.

Panetta also criticized Trump's decision to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, calling it a "political move" that was "unprecedented" for a president to take against a former intelligence official.

Trump's comments about the CIA have been widely condemned by former intelligence officials, including former CIA director Michael Hayden, who said Trump's remarks were "deeply irresponsible" and "dangerous."

The president's attacks on the CIA come at a time when the agency is facing increasing challenges, including the rise of cyber threats and the ongoing war against terrorism.

Panetta warned that Trump's comments could damage the CIA's reputation and make it more difficult for the agency to recruit and retain talented officers. He also expressed concern that Trump's attacks on the CIA could embolden America's adversaries.

The former CIA director called on Trump to "stop attacking the intelligence community" and to "start working with them" to protect the country.