On July 26, 2016, the New York Times reported that the intelligence community had concluded Russia hacked the DNC.
Trump's response the next day: "Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.”
Trump's response the next day: "Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.”
From that day until the day he took office, members of his team met with Putin-linked individuals at least 35 more times.
themoscowproject.org/explainers/tru…
themoscowproject.org/explainers/tru…
Trump got his first intel briefing on August 17, where he was warned about Russia's efforts.
He continued relying extensively on WikiLeaks through the rest of the campaign, including citing it 164 times—five times per day—in the last month of the election.
He continued relying extensively on WikiLeaks through the rest of the campaign, including citing it 164 times—five times per day—in the last month of the election.
He repeatedly, publicly denied that Russia was behind the hacks, including at all three debates. He first acknowledged Russia's role in the hacks on January 11, 2017—and even then, he said, "I think we also get hacked by other countries and other people.”
If you, like the president, are interested in learning more about Russian interference in the 2016 election, check out our comprehensive, interactive timeline:
themoscowproject.org/collusion-time…
themoscowproject.org/collusion-time…
Then, after the Obama administration announced new sanctions on Russia on December 29, 2016, Trump's hand-picked National Security Adviser Michael Flynn called the Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak five times to undermine the rollout.
The next morning, Trump tweeted—not to condemn Russia's interference or support the sanctions, but to praise Putin for not retaliating, which is conveniently exactly what Flynn and Kislyak discussed.
