Trump ex-adviser says Putin played on his ego

Donald

Trump

was determined during his presidency to cozy up to Vladimir

Putin

despite Russia's interference in US democracy and objections by advisers, a former top aide claims in a new book. The behind-the-scenes details from H R McMaster, Trump's second national security

adviser

, come as Americans are set to decide whether the ex-prez should return to the White House and as US officials warn of fresh foreign election meddling.

McMaster says an "overconfident" Trump sought early in his administration to improve relations with

Russia

by building a personal rapport with Putin. But the "ruthless former KGB operator, played to Trump's

ego

and insecurities with flattery".