Story in NY Times in 2016...
The US has been trying to figure out what information Edward Snowden, former CIA and NSA worker, had in his possession when he agreed to accept asylum from the Russian government. Indications are that he had much more intelligence than at first thought.
The relationship between the US and Russia has deteriorated into a deep chill. Some foreign experts say it is close to the Cold War status.
Meanwhile, the Republican majority in the US Senate, have called for a huge increase in the Defense budget, to meet the new threats from the more bellicose Putin, the leader of the war-mongering Russians. Defense contractors applaud the GOP on their foresight.
"The world is still a dangerous place", the President said, as he spoke to a room full of secret contributors in Hollywood. 'We will continue to protect the people of this country with all means necessary", he said.
The President was in California campaigning for the Democratic candidate for President, Hillary Clinton.