CIA Puts Out Statement Saying Director ‘Stands by’ Russia Intel Assessment After Trump Remarks

The CIA released a statement today following remarks made by President Trump about Russian election interference.

Trump told reporters today he believes Vladimir Putin “means it” when he says Russia did not meddle in the election.

Per a New York Times transcript of the full exchange, the President said, “He said he didn’t meddle. I asked him again. You can only ask so many times. But I just asked him again, and he said he absolutely did not meddle in our election.”

And when a reporter asked if he believes Putin, Trump said, “Well, look, I can’t stand there and argue with him. I’d rather have him get out of Syria, to be honest with you.”

Well, the CIA today put out a statement saying Director Mike Pompeo stands by the Russia intel assessment:

CIA today: “The Director stands by and has always stood by the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment entitled: Assessing Russian Activities and Intentions in Recent U.S. Elections. The intelligence assessment with regard to Russian election meddling has not changed.” https://t.co/m0ZibV41PO

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) November 11, 2017

CNN’s report notes that the CIA “refused to comment directly on the president’s remarks.”

[image via Christopher Halloran / Shutterstock.com]

— —

Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!