Trump 'national disgrace, int'l pariah', says ex-US Secy of State in leaked emails
Washington: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has labelled Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump a "national disgrace" and "an international pariah" who is in the process of destroying himself, according to leaked e-mails.
BuzzFeed News, a popular news website, in a report said that Powell, who oversaw the State Department during the beginning of George W Bush’s administration, said this in a personal email to journalist Emily Miller on June 17.
In addition to saying that Trump is a "national disgrace" and "an international pariah", Powell said the Republican nominee "is in the process of destroying himself, no need for Dems (Democrats) to attack him. (Speaker of the House) Paul Ryan is calibrating his position again."
In another email on August 21, retired Army general Powell blasted Trump for embarking on a "racist" movement that believes Barack Obama was not born in the United States.
"Yup, the whole birther movement was racist. That’s what the 99 percent believe. When Trump couldn't keep that up he said he also wanted to see if the certificate noted that he was a Muslim," Powell wrote, according to BuzzFeed.
"I have no further comment. I’m not denying it," Powell told BuzzFeed.
In another email to CNN anchor Fareed Zakaria in December 2015, warned against giving him too much publicity.
"You guys are playing his game, you are his oxygen. He outraged us again today with his comments on Paris no-go for police districts.I will watch and pick the timing, not respond to the latest outrage," Powell wrote.
The messages, the existence of which was first reported by BuzzFeed and The Intercept, were posted to DCleaks, an organisation affiliated with other recent hacks of high-profile figures.
Peggy Cifrino, an aide to Powell, told CNN: "The emails are accurate. No further comment at this time."
The emails are notable for their candour about Trump. Powell has not endorsed Trump and has largely sidestepped questions about his thoughts on the controversial Republican nominee.
