QUESTION: President Donald Trump's knowledge of US secrets and his debt may make him and others targets of foreign spies. We asked @LarryPfeifferDC of the @mvhaydencenter, how significant is this threat? Follow this thread for the answer. 
ANSWER: "There’s been a bit of discussion in the media about how the large debt President Donald Trump carries into his post-presidency presents a significant security risk. What’s not discussed is the potential risks posed by those in his inner circle.
This is a president who has demanded loyalty above all—those who remain in his inner circle after 4 years are family and others undoubtedly the most loyal. If President Trump were predisposed to reveal classified or other sensitive US government information to foreign
governments, would those most loyal support those efforts by providing details the President may have forgotten? They could become targets of foreign intelligence service of their own right. Some may find it difficult to find jobs often available to administration officials at
the end of a term—consultancies, lobbying, contractor positions—owing to their advocacy of policies considered of questionable legality or ethics, or their inability to influence a new Administration of a different party.
Some may hold a grudge against what they perceive as a “deep state” that forestalled President Trump’s reelection. Some may find themselves tossed aside by Trump. These areas—financial, ego, grievance—are often exploited by foreign intelligence services."
If you have a question about national security, follow @NatSecAnswers, send us your question and we'll get the answer. @mvhaydencenter @GenMhayden @threadreaderapp unroll #A12
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