https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIHKi5DHCKU
Donald Trump stopped by Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace and was hit with questions revolving around Russia’s suspected hacking during Election 2016 and the secret CIA report from earlier in the week. The president-elect’s response, despite evidence to the contrary, was to brush it off and blame it all on sour grapes within the Democratic party. Trump claims that Democrats are behind the reports and that none of it is to be believed:
“I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s just another excuse,” Mr. Trump said in the interview, on “Fox News Sunday.” “I don’t believe it.”
President Obama called for a full review of the Russian hacking claims ahead of reports on the secret CIA report and a bi-partisan group of senators released a statement calling for a review of the reports that have been released saying the stakes are too high and that the subject cannot become a partisan issue.
NEW: Bipartisan group of senators release joint statement calling for examination of reports of Russian interference in 2016 US election. pic.twitter.com/XKNmAGdarZ
— ABC News (@ABC) December 11, 2016
Trump has taken aim at the intelligence community since the CIA report hit the headlines, releasing a statement through his transition team and using the type of language seen above. Tying in with that is his view on the intelligence briefings that have been a staple for President Obama and his predecessors for years. According to Trump, he will take the briefings when he needs them as president, leaving the daily briefing to Vice President Mike Pence:
“You know, I’m, like, a smart person,” he said. “I don’t have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years,” he said.
He added that he had instructed the officials who give the briefing: “‘If something should change from this point, immediately call me. I’m available on a one-minute’s notice.’”
Trump also added that he believes the intelligence agencies in the country — namely the CIA and FBI — are “fighting among themselves” over the allegations of Russian hacking. This stems from differing reports to lawmakers coming from each agency, with The Washington Post reporting that it reflects “cultural differences” within each agency. Check out the full Fox News Sunday appearance below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ND8IMjwxes&t=1s
(Via The New York Times / Fox News Sunday / Washington Post)