Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

We Now Know How Mitch McConnell Reacted When the CIA Informed Him That Russia Was Trying to Help Elect Donald Trump in 2016

We Now Know How Mitch McConnell Reacted When the CIA Informed Him That Russia Was Trying to Help Elect Donald Trump in 2016
CNN

Wait, what?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) threatened to condemn President Barack Obama's administration if it had gone public after learning about Russian efforts to disrupt the 2016 election in favor of Donald Trump, according Greg Miller of The Washington Post.

Miller told CNN on Tuesday the CIA warned McConnell that "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin is overseeing" an "operation to help elect Trump."


Miller went on to explain that CIA Director John Brennan held a series of "private briefings" with Congressional leaders, during which McConnell threatened to accuse the Obama administration of meddling in the election in favor of Hillary Clinton if the intelligence was made public.

"If you try to come forward with this, I'm not going to sign on to any public statement that would condemn Russian interference," Miller said of McConnell, "but I will condemn you and the Obama administration for trying to mess up this election."

Miller added that "this is one just one of many many behind-the-scenes moments we capture" in his new book, The Apprentice: Trump, Russia, and the Subversion of American Democracy.

Twitter erupted with anger at McConnell and fully remembers the obstruction the Kentucky Republican pulled at the expense of American election security.

This included preventing Obama from nominating Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court months before the election.

Many people consider McConnell's actions to be treasonous.

Miller's account corroborates claims made by former Vice President Joe Biden in January, who said McConnell's refusing to issue a bipartisan condemnation of Russia's actions made him feel like “the die had been cast ... this was all about the political play.”

Biden explained that without bipartisan condemnation of Russia, Obama feared the country would see him as de-legitimizing the election.

“Can you imagine if the president called a press conference in October, with this fella, Bannon, and company, and said, ‘Tell you what: Russians are trying to interfere in our elections and we have to do something about it,’” Biden said. “What do you think would have happened? Would things have gotten better, or would it further look like we were trying to delegitimize the electoral process, because of our opponent?”

McConnell “expressed skepticism,” Frontline reported last November, “and warned that he would not join an effort to publicly challenge Putin.”

A December 2016 memo sent from the CIA to Congressional leaders obtained by Buzzfeed in August 2017 showed that Brennan felt "some members of Congress" failed to “understand and appreciate the importance and gravity of the issue.”

Though the memo did not mention any lawmakers by name, Jason Leopold reported that "three intelligence sources told BuzzFeed News that Brennan’s criticism was directed at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. John Cornyn, the majority whip. At the time, the two Republican lawmakers downplayed the importance of the CIA’s intelligence."

And in September 2016, The Washington Post reported: "during a secret briefing for congressional leaders, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell … voiced doubts about the veracity of the intelligence.” That intelligence was confirmed in October 2016 when the Obama administration issued a startling briefing featured in the New York Times.

“We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia’s senior-most officials could have authorized these activities,” the statement from intelligence officials said.

That piece, however, was overshadowed when the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump bragged about sexually assaulting women was released by The Washington Post.

More from News

Rudy Giuliani
Alex Kent/Getty Images

Rudy Mocked After Lashing Out At Court Sketch Artist With Hilarious Complaint About How She Made Him 'Look'

Courtroom sketch artist Jane Rosenberg revealed to Reuters that during a break in his contempt hearing this week, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani lashed out at her over her portrayal of him in her sketches.

Giuliani is reportedly outraged after being held in contempt on Monday for failing to hand over certain assets to election workers whom he had falsely accused of ballot manipulation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ariana Grande; 'Access Hollywood' reporters
@daydreamrem/X

Reporter's Tone-Deaf Question For Ariana Grande At Golden Globes Leaves Fans Stunned

An Access Hollywood reporter asked music icon and actor Ariana Grande a question that many shocked internet users thought was a major breach of social etiquette.

On Sunday, Grande represented team Wicked alongside castmates Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and director Jon M. Chu at the 82nd Golden Globes.

Keep ReadingShow less
The silhouette of a man leading against a wall.
men's white dress shirt

People Describe The Worst Pain They've Ever Felt In Their Life

It's often surprising just how much minor injuries can hurt.

Sometimes after we stub our toe, prick our fingers, or hit our funny bones we feel like we're in almost unbearable pain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jeremy Strong
ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images

Jeremy Strong's Green Suit And Matching Bucket Hat At The Golden Globes Spark Hilarious Jokes

As always, the 2025 Golden Globes were full of memorable moments, but none have generated quite as much discourse as actor Jeremy Strong's red carpet outfit.

Strong won a Globe in 2022 for his role in HBO's Successionand was a nominee this year for his supporting role in the film The Apprentice.

Keep ReadingShow less
man with woman in maroon long-sleeved shirt holding fork over fries and burger on tray
Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

The Craziest Orders Fast Food Workers Have Handled

Fast food often offers a higher level of customization than other food service options.

With online ordering, it's become even easier.

Keep ReadingShow less