Trump suggests CIA chief is ‘leaker of Fake News’ after being warned to watch his words

Outgoing CIA chief John Brennan on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump, warning him to watch what he says and suggesting the president-elect doesn’t understand the challenges posed by Russia.

In return, Trump did something even more extraordinary: he publicly suggested that Brennan had leaked classified material to the media.

Brennan’s stern words were the latest salvo in the ongoing feud between the incoming Republican leader and US intelligence agencies, who have concluded Moscow meddled in the November election.

The 70-year-old Trump, who takes office on Friday, has nevertheless been generous in his praise of Vladimir Putin, saying that if the Russian leader “likes” him, it would be an “asset” to help repair strained ties with Moscow.

The Senate Intelligence committee meanwhile has launched a bipartisan probe into Moscow’s alleged interference in US politics - which could force officials in both Barack Obama’s administration and Trump’s government to testify.

“I don’t think he has a full appreciation of Russian capabilities, Russia’s intentions and actions,” Brennan said of Trump on Fox News Sunday.