Donald Trump has threatened to remove security clearance from former officials who criticised his refusal to confront Russia over alleged election interference.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed this in a press briefing yesterday, naming former CIA and FBI directors John O. Brennan and James Comey among those who could be affected.

Sanders said these people "politicised, and in some cases monetised, their public service and security clearances" by "making baseless accusations of improper contact with Russia."

Is this appropriate behaviour from a US President, and does it indicate that there is a risk of America becoming an authoritarian state?

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone discussed this in our weekly US slot.

They also covered Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his participation in a "lock her up" chant at a conservative group's summit in Washington.

To catch the full chat press the play button on the image on the top of the screen