Trump appears to acknowledge Russia's election meddling, blames Obama
What's the story
For months, US President Donald Trump has denied that Russia had interfered in the 2016 presidential election. It now appears that Trump has acknowledged Russia's role and has claimed his predecessor Barack Obama didn't do enough against it. The Trump administration is being investigated by the FBI and other intelligence agencies for allegedly colluding with Russia, which Trump has described as a "witch hunt".
Quote
Trump accuses Obama of doing nothing to stop Russia
Trump tweeted: "Just out: The Obama Administration knew far in advance of November 8th about election meddling by Russia. Did nothing about it. WHY?"
Retaliation
Obama had reportedly acted against Russia over election interference
Trump's tweet comes amid reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin gave direct instructions to ensure Trump's victory in the presidential election, according to a secret CIA report Obama received in August. In retaliation the Kremlin-sponsored election hacking, the Obama administration had expelled 35 Russian diplomats. The Washington Post reported that Obama had started a secret program to thwart any future cyber transgressions by Russia.
Information
CIA had source deep inside Kremlin, confirming Putin's direct involvement
The CIA report to Obama "captured Putin's specific instructions on the operation's audacious objectives - defeat or at least damage the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton," according to the Washington Post. American intelligence agencies had a source deep inside the Kremlin that confirmed Putin's direct involvement.
Details
Obama responded more strongly against Russia than Trump
Before his term ended, Obama greenlit a secret program authorizing the use of "implants," which are digital bombs that can conduct retaliatory cyberstrikes against Russian networks if Moscow launches cyberattacks. Trump has the option of using this capability. Obama administration officials said Trump has undermined their efforts to expel the Russian diplomats. So far, Obama's actions America's most forceful responses to Russia's alleged transgressions.