SecDef Mattis: ‘Yes, I Believe’ Russia Meddled in 2016 Election
Breaking from President Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed such reports.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Asked Friday whether he believes the Russian government meddled with the 2016 presidential election, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis reportedly replied: “Yes, I believe they did.” The comment comes in contradiction of President Trump, who has at times called the reports of Kremlin interference to be a “hoax,” a “made-up story,” or has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin when he denies his government did any such thing (despite all the evidence to the contrary).
Did Russia interfere in the US election? #SecDef Mattis: “Yes I believe they did.”
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