BRENNAN: But there is a crisis with those weapons stockpiles right now
HEGSETH: No there is not. That is a manufactured story that the media wants to peddle
BRENNAN: You have testified to it in front of Congress
HEGSETH: You don't have to read back to me what I testified
NEW: Trump had a nearly hour-long phone call with Vladimir Putin today. The Russian dictator wished Trump a happy birthday, and the two leaders reportedly discussed Ukraine, NATO, Iran, and U.S.-Russia relations.
The Kremlin also published Putin’s birthday message to Trump:
“Dear Donald,
I wholeheartedly congratulate you, such a bright and extraordinary person and politician, on your 80th birthday!
I highly value the mutual understanding that has developed between us, which allows us to discuss openly and candidly any issues, even the most difficult ones, on the bilateral and international agenda.
I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we could truly bring U.S.-Russian relations to a new level and do much to ensure security and stability on the world stage.
I sincerely wish you good health, happiness, well-being, and success. Please convey my best wishes to Melania and all members of your family.
Vladimir Putin”