‘No evidence’ Obama wiretapped Trump Tower: FBI boss testifies
Posted March 20, 2017 7:27 am.
Last Updated March 20, 2017 10:07 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
WASHINGTON, DC. (NEWS 1130) – FBI Director James Comey is publicly confirming for the first time the FBI is investigating Russia’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, including any potential co-ordination between Trump campaign associates and Russia’s government.
Comey is testifying before Congress. He says he’s authorized by the Justice Department to make the disclosure. Typically, the FBI does not discuss or even confirm the existence of ongoing investigations.
He points out the probe is part of the FBI’s counter-intelligence mission. He says the investigation includes the nature of any links between individuals associated with Trump’s campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any co-ordination between Russia’s efforts and the campaign.
Comey was asked about US President Donald Trump’s explosive wiretapping claims and he admitted there was no evidence supporting Trump’s claims. While behind closed doors, Comey had already told congressional leaders there was no evidence that former US President Barack Obama ordered Trump Tower in New York to be wiretapped during last year’s election campaign.
Ahead of this morning’s testimony, Trump was on the offensive.
And as the hearing got underway Trump wasbeen busy on Twitter. “James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia. This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!” Trump posted in a “prebuttal” early today, part of a series of tweets that make no mention of the wiretap testimony expected from FBI Director James Comey in front of the US House Intelligence Committee this morning.
FBI Director Comey: The FBI “is investigating the Russian government’s efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.” pic.twitter.com/K7NmcKxDL2
— ABC News (@ABC) March 20, 2017
FBI also “investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government.” pic.twitter.com/NpSXHJBbCW
— ABC News (@ABC) March 20, 2017
Congressional leaders briefed on the matter have said they’ve seen no indication it is true, and Obama’s top intelligence official, James Clapper, has publicly called the claims false.
The US Justice Department’s disclosure last Friday, that it had complied with congressional demands for information regarding Trump’s tweets, could allow Comey to avoid questioning by simply saying that the lawmakers already have the information they requested.
