Pay attention: Trump is taking a series of steps, opposed by both parties, contradicting his admin’s own stated national security goals:

1- Cutting US troops in South Korea, benefiting both North Korea & China (WSJ)
2- Cutting US troops in Germany, benefiting Russia

(1)
(2)

3- Dismissing intel Russia paid bounties to kill US troops in Afghanistan
4- Refusing to challenge Russia despite US, UK & Canadian intel it is stealing vaccine research
(3)

These recent decisions affect several of the country’s most immediate national security threats: Russia, China, North Korea and Afghanistan/terrorism.

He’s moved forward despite even Republican opposition.

He’s accelerating these moves as the election approaches.
(4)

With his refusal to call out Russian efforts to steal vaccine research, he is extending these moves to the country’s primary domestic threat: spiraling pandemic.

And as has been the case throughout his admin, there is no apparent national security decision-making process.
(5)

The process often follows, rather than proceeds, the president’s decisions.

A new president could of course reverse these decisions. However, the affect on US alliances, force commitments, and - with the pandemic - the lives of Americans, is real & lasting.
(6)

These are not isolated and inconsequential moves.

And for my upcoming book, I’ve spoken to multiple former members of his administration who are deeply concerned, even fearful.
You can follow @jimsciutto.
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