Wyden, Heinrich, Harris Seek Intelligence Related to Trump’s Statements About Chinese Interference in 2016 Election
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today asked whether U.S. intelligence supports Donald Trump’s claims that China interfered in the 2016 election.
In a letter to Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, the senators asked if the intelligence community concurs with the president’s claim on 60 Minutes that China “meddled” in the 2016 election.” The senators also reiterated their questions about Trump’s statement that China was attempting to interfere in the 2018 election. The senators sent the questions in a letter sent October 4, but have not received a response from the administration.
The Honorable Daniel Coats
Director of National Intelligence
Washington, D.C. 20511
Dear Director Coats:
We are writing with regard to President Trump’s most recent comments on foreign interference in U.S. elections. On October 4, 2018, we wrote to inquire whether the President’s statement that China was attempting to interfere in the upcoming 2018 election was consistent with the assessments of the Intelligence Community (IC). In addition to providing a public response to that inquiry, we ask that you address whether the President’s statement on 60 Minutes that China “meddled” in the 2016 U.S. election is consistent with IC assessments. Please provide additional detail and supporting intelligence publicly to the greatest extent possible, and to Congress to the extent necessary to protect sources and methods.
We ask that you respond to this inquiry, as well as our October 4, 2018, letter, no later than October 22, 2018.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
