FBI Director Confirms Open Investigation into Trump-Russia Ties
"The FBI and the Department of Justice have no information to support [President Trump's] tweets," director also testifies
In his opening remarks during testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday, FBI Director James Comey confirmed that there remains an "open and ongoing" criminal investigation into the possibility that members of the Trump campaign or transition team colluded with alleged Russian interference in last year's presidential elections.
"I have been authorized by the Department of Justice to confirm that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," Comey testified. "As with any counter investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed."
Though Comey would not discuss the investigation with any detail, he did say the probe began in late of July of 2016.
During subsequent questioning, Comey addressed the controversy sparked by tweets sent by President Trump accusing his predecessor President Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, Comey said that neither the FBI nor the Justice Department have any corroborating evidence to back up those claims. "The FBI and the Department of Justice have no information to support those tweets," Comey said.
Watch the hearing:
Earlier:
FBI Director James Comey testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday morning where he will respond to questions regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. Comey will also surely face questions about the so-far unsubstantiated claim by President Trump that he was "wiretapped" by his predecessor, President Barack Obama.
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In his opening remarks during testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday, FBI Director James Comey confirmed that there remains an "open and ongoing" criminal investigation into the possibility that members of the Trump campaign or transition team colluded with alleged Russian interference in last year's presidential elections.
"I have been authorized by the Department of Justice to confirm that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," Comey testified. "As with any counter investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed."
Though Comey would not discuss the investigation with any detail, he did say the probe began in late of July of 2016.
During subsequent questioning, Comey addressed the controversy sparked by tweets sent by President Trump accusing his predecessor President Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, Comey said that neither the FBI nor the Justice Department have any corroborating evidence to back up those claims. "The FBI and the Department of Justice have no information to support those tweets," Comey said.
Watch the hearing:
Earlier:
FBI Director James Comey testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday morning where he will respond to questions regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. Comey will also surely face questions about the so-far unsubstantiated claim by President Trump that he was "wiretapped" by his predecessor, President Barack Obama.
In his opening remarks during testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday, FBI Director James Comey confirmed that there remains an "open and ongoing" criminal investigation into the possibility that members of the Trump campaign or transition team colluded with alleged Russian interference in last year's presidential elections.
"I have been authorized by the Department of Justice to confirm that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," Comey testified. "As with any counter investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed."
Though Comey would not discuss the investigation with any detail, he did say the probe began in late of July of 2016.
During subsequent questioning, Comey addressed the controversy sparked by tweets sent by President Trump accusing his predecessor President Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, Comey said that neither the FBI nor the Justice Department have any corroborating evidence to back up those claims. "The FBI and the Department of Justice have no information to support those tweets," Comey said.
Watch the hearing:
Earlier:
FBI Director James Comey testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday morning where he will respond to questions regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. Comey will also surely face questions about the so-far unsubstantiated claim by President Trump that he was "wiretapped" by his predecessor, President Barack Obama.