Putin Tells Trump That the ‘Deep State’ is Against Their Friendship

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly cozies but to Trump by verbally sharing his “grievances” on calls and blaming “subordinates” for opposing their friendship, The Washington Post reports. White House officials told the Post that Putin “complains” to the president about “fake news” and the foreign policy “deep state”–or establishment—that is “conspiring against” their relationship. Officials are concerned that Putin is playing on Trump’s favorite complaints, “inexperience and lack of detailed knowledge about issues” during the calls. The two leaders will have a face-to-face meeting in Helsinki on July 16 after the NATO Summit, where Trump will face traditional allies of the United States that have been hit with corrosive rhetoric and tariffs.