SpyTalk
A Former CIA Spy Catcher Weighs Trump’s Russia Turn
Mar 21, 2025
Sue Miller, a former head of CIA Counterintelligence with a remarkable 39-year career, discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, particularly focusing on Russian interference in the 2016 election. She emphasizes that Trump's pro-Russia stance should raise ongoing counterintelligence concerns. Miller shares insights on the intricate dynamics of espionage today, critiques leadership challenges within the CIA, and highlights the evolving nature of surveillance technology and its implications for national security.
38:39
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Quick takeaways
- The CIA's assessment confirms that Russia aimed to promote Trump in the 2016 election, raising ongoing national security concerns about his alignment with Russian interests.
- Sue Miller's anecdotes from her CIA career illustrate the high-stakes nature of espionage and the clever strategies used to evade surveillance during covert operations.
Deep dives
Impact of Russian Interference on American Politics
Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections was orchestrated with the clear intent of promoting Donald Trump, as confirmed by a former CIA counterintelligence chief. The CIA's assessment highlighted that while the Russians aimed to influence the election towards Trump, it was difficult to measure the actual impact on voting outcomes. Despite Trump’s victory, the report indicated that the evidence pointed to a desire for chaos in American politics rather than a definitive intent to ensure his win. Nonetheless, the close ties between Trump and Russian leadership raise ongoing concerns about the implications for U.S. national security.
