Brennan: Don trying to silence critics, did collude with Russia

President Trump is getting desperate, according to former Central Intelligence Agency chief John Brennan. The retired spook slammed the commander-in-chief on Thursday after Trump unilaterally revoked his security clearance, accusing Trump's campaign of being in on the Russian effort to influence the 2016 election.

“Trump clearly has become more desperate to protect himself and those close to him, which is why he made the politically motivated decision to revoke my security clearance in an attempt to scare into silence others who might dare to challenge him," he wrote in an opinion piece published by The New York Times.

The 62-year-old New Jersey native was one of the President's most vocal critics following Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

Brennan accused Trump of being “wholly in the pocket of Putin” after he once again challenged the intelligence community's assessment that Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

In the piece, Brennan went on to say that “Mr. Trump's claims of no collusion are, in a word, hogwash.

“The only questions that remain are whether the collusion that took place constituted criminally liable conspiracy, whether obstruction of justice occurred to cover up any collusion or conspiracy, and how many members of “Trump Incorporated” attempted to defraud the government by laundering and concealing the movement of money into their pockets.”

Pulling Brennan's clearance was an unprecedented move. One that Trump openly admitted was done due to Brennan's criticisms of his administration.

Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he believes the Russia investigation is a “sham,” and “these people led it!”

“So I think it's something that had to be done,” he added.

Trump said Wednesday he is reviewing the security clearances of several other former top intelligence and law enforcement officials, including former FBI Director James Comey. All are critics of the President or are people whom Trump appears to believe are against him.

Former CIA and FBI directors and other top national security officials are typically allowed to keep their clearances so they can assist their successors and to hold certain jobs.

The White House said Trump is reviewing clearances of several former officials who have openly criticized the President.