NPR and WaPo both independently verified that the CIA now believes that Russia did indeed try to help Donald J. Trump win the 2016 presidential election. NBC joined them yesterday afternoon with its own independent reporting on the subject:
The CIA has concluded that Russia mounted a covert intelligence operation to influence the U.S. election in an effort to help Donald Trump win, a congressional official knowledgeable on the matter told NBC News.
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper briefed senators on the latest intelligence in a closed-door meeting last week, and he described the latest findings on the intentions of the Russian government with regard to the hacks and other interference in the U.S. presidential election, according to the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the intelligence.
James Clapper is in the position that Trump wants to fill with Mike Flynn. It’s a position whose holder is not vetted by Congress beforehand but serves at the pleasure of the president. CORRECTION (thanks to Garrett):
Mike Flynn will be National Security Advisor, the position now held by Susan Rice.
James Clapper is Director of National Intelligence, a position that requires Senate confirmation.
The position of National Security Advisor (or Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, as it’s officially known) does not require Senate confirmation, as it’s considered a White House staff position.
Comments are closed on this story.