U.S. lawmakers push for answers on Trump team's Russia ties

[webfact]

U.S. lawmakers push for answers on Trump team's Russia ties

By Steve Holland and Patricia Zengerle

REUTERS

 

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump talks to members of the media as retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn stands next to him at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 21, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Amid a deepening crisis over the relationship between President Donald Trump's aides and Russia, some senior Republicans on Wednesday issued their boldest challenge yet and vowed to get to the bottom of the matter, while Democrats demanded an independent probe.

 

Trump, facing rising unease among fellow Republicans in Congress less than a month into his presidency, sought to focus the attention on what he called criminal intelligence leaks about his ousted national security adviser, calling Michael Flynn a "wonderful man" who was mistreated by the news media.

 

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that phone call records and intercepted calls showed members of Trump's presidential campaign and other Trump associates had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials in the year before the Nov. 8 election in which Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.

 

Republican Trump critics including Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham voiced fresh consternation, but comments by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, who has been a Trump supporter, increased the pressure on the White House.

 

Corker said the Russia issue was threatening Trump's agenda on foreign affairs and domestic matters like healthcare and tax policy. He questioned whether the White House was able to stabilise itself and said Flynn should testify before Congress.

 

Democrats, doubting that either Trump's Justice Department or the Republican-led Congress will pursue the matter vigorously, demanded an independent investigation of possible illegal communications between Flynn and the Russian government and any efforts by Flynn or other White House officials to conceal wrongdoing.

 

The Democrats called for either a special counsel appointed by Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, or the creation of a bipartisan commission with subpoena power. The top Senate Democrat, Chuck Schumer, said Sessions, a close ally of Trump, must recuse himself from any investigation.

 

Graham called for a broader bipartisan congressional investigation, to be conducted by a newly formed special committee rather than existing committees, if it turns out that Trump's presidential campaign communicated with the Russians.

 

"It's time for us to look into all things related to Russia's involvement in 2016," Graham told reporters, referring to last year's election.

 

But the top Republicans in the Senate and House of Representatives have insisted the matter be investigated by existing Republican-led committees.

 

U.S. intelligence agencies previously concluded that Russia hacked and leaked Democratic emails during the election campaign as part of efforts to tilt the vote in Trump's favour.

 

Some experts expressed concern the White House could curtail or divert probes into Flynn and Russian involvement in the election unless Congress becomes more aggressive by holding hearings and appointing an independent commission or special prosecutor into whether Trump's team violated federal laws in their contacts with Russia.

 

Intelligence agencies now overseen by Trump may not be ideally suited to the job, they added.

 

"It's not, at the end of the day, the job of the intelligence community to regulate the White House - and it shouldn't be," said Stephen Vladeck, a University of Texas law professor who focuses on constitutional law and national security.

 

Flynn was abruptly forced out by Trump on Monday after disclosures he had discussed U.S. sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the United States, before Trump took office, and that he had later misled Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations.

 

The Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon spy agency once headed by Flynn, formally suspended his security clearance allowing him access to classified information, DIA spokesman James Kudla said.

 

The drama of Flynn's departure was the latest in a series of White House missteps and controversies since Trump was sworn in on Jan. 20.

 

"Let's get everything out as quickly as possible on this Russia issue," Corker told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" programme. "Maybe there's a problem that obviously goes much deeper than what we now suspect."

 

'VERY UN-AMERICAN'

 

In Twitter posts on Wednesday, Trump called the reported Russian connection with his campaign team nonsense, adding: "The real scandal here is that classified information is illegally given out by 'intelligence' like candy. Very un-American!"

 

At a news conference later with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump charged that intelligence leaks to the news media were "a criminal act." He said Flynn, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, was "a wonderful man" who has been treated "very, very unfairly by the media."

 

But White House spokesman Sean Spicer said on Tuesday that Trump himself asked for Flynn's resignation because of the president's "eroding level of trust" in Flynn after a series of "questionable instances."

 

In his comments at the news conference, Trump did not address the accuracy of the material he said was being leaked.

 

Spicer on Tuesday also denied there had been any contact between any member of Trump's campaign team and Russia.

 

From early on in his White House bid, Trump said he would like improved relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a stance criticized by Democrats and also by some Republicans concerned about Washington softening its stance after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and aggression in Syria.

 

Only a few Republican lawmakers have supported even the idea of extending any investigation to cover actions by Trump's team in the weeks after the election, when Flynn made his calls.

 

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called on the FBI to expedite an investigation into the financial, personal and political ties of Trump and members of his administration to the Russians.

 

"There are suspicions that have arisen about the president of the United States," Pelosi said, including behaviour she called "very dangerous to the national security of our country" including poor judgement in appointing Flynn in the first place.

 

The Trump administration has offered Flynn's former job to U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Harward, said two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. It was not immediately clear if Harward, a former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, had accepted the offer, according to sources.

 

The Times, citing current and former U.S. officials, said U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies intercepted the communications around the same time they discovered Russia was trying to disrupt the presidential election by hacking into the Democratic National Committee.

 

Reuters could not immediately confirm the Times report, which the Kremlin dismissed as groundless. CNN also reported that Trump advisers were in constant contact with Russian officials during the campaign.

 

(Additional reporting by Rick Cowan, Mohammad Zargham, Susan Cornwell, Susan Heavey, Julia Edwards Ainsley, Doina Chiacu, Julia Harte and Mark Hosenball; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-02-16

[Credo]

The problem isn't Flynn, wasn't Flynn and never will be Flynn.   The problem is Trump.   

[Emster23]

Drain the Tundra!

[whatawonderfulday]

1 hour ago, Credo said:

The problem isn't Flynn, wasn't Flynn and never will be Flynn.   The problem is Trump.   

No sorry but I disagree.  Trump has always been a dishonourable character - look at his business dealings, not paying contractors etc.   The problem is the naivety of the Americans who voted for him. 

[boomerangutang]

We're nearly 1 month into a 48 month presidential term.  Whew!  It feels like months of befuddled drudgery.

If Trump makes it to next January, he'll have to give his first 'State of the Union' address to Congress and other distinguished (ha ha ha) attendees.

Don't be surprised if Dems walk out.  Personally, if I was a congressman, I wouldn't walk out, but I would raise a protest placard for all to see.  It would say something like:  Russian Puppet  

 

here's some satire on next year's State of the Union address;

 

huffingtonpost.com/peter-friedman/dateline-january-2018-pre_b_12285702.htm

 

 

 

 

[boomerangutang]

1 hour ago, Credo said:

The problem isn't Flynn, wasn't Flynn and never will be Flynn.   The problem is Trump.   

....and Pence for shellacing the lying trend.  Pence is not as much of a dummy as Trump, and realized he had to deny Flynn told him what transpired in the illegal phone calls.  Weeks later, after Flynn waffled between denial and claiming forgetfulness, Flynn realized (in the past couple of days) he had to lie some more by saying he never told Pence or Trump any of the pertinent details of the discussions with the Russian Ambassador.  

 

         The tapes held by the US intelligence services and Russian Intelligence (yes, they all tape important calls), are going to be what blows Pence and Trump out of the water.  Trump will probably try to claim the tapes are fake and/or political tools - all the sorts of immature BS that we've come to expect from The Divider.  

[boomerangutang]

20 minutes ago, whatawonderfulday said:

No sorry but I disagree.  Trump has always been a dishonourable character - look at his business dealings, not paying contractors etc.   The problem is the naivety of the Americans who voted for him. 

'naivety' is about the nicest adjective one could pick.  

 

I won't be so nice, and instead call Trump voters:  people who believed they'd get better jobs and didn't mind a pussy-grabbing liar in office, who is bosom buddies with Putin.  About half of Trump voters now realize their choice was awful, but the other half haven't yet fathomed Trump is seriously bad for America.   

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, boomerangutang said:

The tapes held by the US intelligence services and Russian Intelligence (yes, they all tape important calls), are going to be what blows Pence and Trump out of the water.

More than likely it will be US allies who also have the same transcripts through their own intercepts that will release them to the American public should they fear US investigations will be stalled or stymied.

http://europe.newsweek.com/allies-intercept-russia-trump-adviser-communications-557283?rm=eu

 

[ourmanflint]

So nobody is worried that US organizations which are there to support the POTUS have taken an independent decision to provide the media with info to attack him and destabilize his position? Since when is that OK?

[mtls2005]

It seems like all Trump is interested in is the "leaks".

 

And most Republicans are more interested in investigating the leaks as well.

 

I think Jason Chaffetz will face some re-election challenges, even in Utah.

 

Trump's had a rough week, time for a third trip to Florida to relax, and bath in the adulation of another "rally". 

 

Maybe play some golf too.

 

It seems strange that they're not at all interested in the Russian connections, at least look into them if only to debunk the allegations.

 

I mean how many Benghazi/email server investigations did they have?

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, ourmanflint said:

So nobody is worried that US organizations which are there to support the POTUS have taken an independent decision to provide the media with info to attack him and destabilize his position? Since when is that OK?

Are they there to support the POTUS or are they there to support the best interests of the nation as a whole? There is growing evidence that the mistakenly installed POTUS is insane, incompetent, imagines himself a dictator, and may be under the gun of Russian KOMPROMAT as well.

[derator01]

You may not like Trump, but inappropriate references to the him or the spelling of his name won't be tolerated if they are disrespectful.

[Redline]

5 hours ago, Srikcir said:

More than likely it will be US allies who also have the same transcripts through their own intercepts that will release them to the American public should they fear US investigations will be stalled or stymied.

http://europe.newsweek.com/allies-intercept-russia-trump-adviser-communications-557283?rm=eu

 

I would guess that the FBI and CIA....would just give the information to the Europeans and tells them it was theirs, in order to save the country.

Everyone spies on everyone, and it's common knowledge.  This way, it's depoliticized with the US system.  Then, Trump has to take on Europe as well.

[Redline]

19 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Are they there to support the POTUS or are they there to support the best interests of the nation as a whole? There is growing evidence that the baby man mistakenly installed at POTUS is insane, incompetent, imagines himself a dictator, and may be under the gun of Russian KOMPROMAT as well.

Protecting the country should always be the number one priority of those serving in government, and in fact for all Americans.  No question about that.  If a leader is thought to be dishonest, and covertly compromising the security and integrity of the country, it's people, and it's Constitution, they need to be held to the highest consequences, and an example needs to be set.

[Redline]

32 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

It seems like all Trump is interested in is the "leaks".

 

And most Republicans are more interested in investigating the leaks as well.

 

I think Jason Chaffetz will face some re-election challenges, even in Utah.

 

Trump's had a rough week, time for a third trip to Florida to relax, and bath in the adulation of another "rally". 

 

Maybe play some golf too.

 

It seems strange that they're not at all interested in the Russian connections, at least look into them if only to debunk the allegations.

 

I mean how many Benghazi/email server investigations did they have?

If it wasn't so whacked, it would be comical.  And this Miller kid?  Unreal!

[mtls2005]

I think Jason Chaffetz will face some re-election challenges, even in Utah.

 

He's said he will not seek re-election in 2018.

 

Some rumors that he may resign later today (Friday, April 21, 2017), perhaps to spend more time with his wives and families.

 

All those Benghazi and email hearings wore him out I guess?

 

Time to change his Twitter handle to @jasonnotinthehouse.

 

His boyish good looks would serve him well in prison.

 

 

[Andaman Al]

42 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

I think Jason Chaffetz will face some re-election challenges, even in Utah.

 

He's said he will not seek re-election in 2018.

 

Some rumors that he may resign later today (Friday, April 21, 2017), perhaps to spend more time with his wives and families.

 

All those Benghazi and email hearings wore him out I guess?

 

Time to change his Twitter handle to @jasonnotinthehouse.

 

His boyish good looks would serve him well in prison.

 

 

Hot rumours are that Chaffetz will step out of the lime light for a short while then either run for Governor or Senator.

[Srikcir]

52 minutes ago, Andaman Al said:

Hot rumours are that Chaffetz will step out of the lime light for a short while then either run for Governor or Senator.

Likely run for governor in 2020.

[funandsuninbangkok]

Funny how a few tomahawks has ended the Russian story. Boom

[Jingthing]

Funny how a few tomahawks has ended the Russian story. Boom

Has not ended.

[funandsuninbangkok]

18 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Has not ended.

sure gone quiet. 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

sure gone quiet. 

 

 

 

The investigation continues.

It's known Putin tried to help elect trump. That isn't the question. What is not known yet is about collusion and financial corruption ties. It's immaterial if Putin regrets helping trump now which he likely does.

 

[ilostmypassword]

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

The investigation continues.

It's known Putin tried to help elect trump. That isn't the question. What is not known yet is about collusion and financial corruption ties. It's immaterial if Putin regrets helping trump now which he likely does.

 

It's odd though. Trump still refuses to say anything negative about Putin.

[funandsuninbangkok]

Like, "He's really really mean!"?

[ilostmypassword]

3 minutes ago, funandsuninbangkok said:

Like, "He's really really mean!"?

How about holding him responsible for Russia's conduct in Syria?  Or maybe Trump assumes Putin knows as little about foreign affairs as does Trump?

[ilostmypassword]

3 hours ago, funandsuninbangkok said:

Funny how a few tomahawks has ended the Russian story. Boom

https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-04-18/blackwater-founder-erik-prince-said-to-have-advised-trump-team

[craigt3365]

12 hours ago, ilostmypassword said:

It's odd though. Trump still refuses to say anything negative about Putin.

Interesting comments here. LOL

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2017/04/07/russia-responds-to-syria-strike-as-putin-trump-bromance-gets-tomahawked/#70ae70a81833

 

Quote

 

In a rather strange op-ed in Kommersant, the newspaper's editor Maksim Yusin lamented Trump's decision and longed for a Hillary Clinton presidency.

 

"I think Russians will come to regret their support for Trump and wish Hillary or Obama were in the White House," Yusin wrote. Then, oddly, "Hillary would not have done this without talking to Putin or Congress first."

 

 

[mtls2005]

Still to early - Putin is playing the long game, while Trump is playing tiddly-winks - to know if there is any "buyer's remorse"?

 

Certainly it would behoove Putin to feign dissatisfaction at this point, wait until things die down, but he still gets much more with a Trump WH than with an HRC WH.

 

For Putin it's now more about "cleaning" things up, can you say "defenestration", and waiting.

 

It may have been "too soon" for 'Wayne Tracker' to press for the ExxonMobile waiver?