Trump administration must stop sending wrong global signals, says ex-defense secretary

Former U.S. Defense Secretary and chief of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Leon Panetta has said that the Trump administration is sending wrong signals across the globe by not taking steps to end the political turmoil back at home.

In an interview given to CBS News, Panetta said people around the world are quite concerned with the incumbent government's approach to alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential polls and Trump's charge that his predecessor Barack Obama ordered the wire tapping of Trump Tower in New York last year, apart from other issues, and advised the former to show the world leadership that is required and has been known to provide in the past.

Panetta said that tweeting in irrational manner exposes the United States and could make it vulnerable to enemies.

He said that trying to divert attention or obfuscate facts would be of no use as the truth would eventually surface.

He said the need of the hour was for independent bipartisan investigation and to move ahead.