Federal Bureau of Investigation probe examining Trump-Russia links

“Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey told the House Intelligence Committee that certain political appointees in the Obama administration had access to the names of unmasked USA citizens, such as senior White House officials, senior Department of Justice officials, and senior intelligence officials”.

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released a statement calling for President Donald Trump to apologize after FBI Director James Comey testified at a House hearing on Monday.

“I’m not gonna get into either that particular case, that matter, or any conversations I had with the president”.

Two top U.S. spymasters today trashed President Donald Trump’s allegation that his Trump Tower was wiretapped on the orders of his predecessor Barack Obama, saying there is no evidence to support the claim.

“Sean Spicer-who doesn’t deserve this treatment-was dispatched last week to repeat an assertion by a Fox News commentator that perhaps the Obama Administration had subcontracted the wiretap to British intelligence”, they continue.

Manafort resigned from Trump’s campaign last summer following allegations of contacts with Russian intelligence officials.

As part of the investigation, Comey appeared before the House Intelligence Committee for a hearing on Monday, asserting that there is no evidence for Trump’s claims.

Trump has denied that he or anyone involved in his presidential campaign had any dealings with Russian Federation, saying “Russia is fake news”.

He said Congress and the Federal Bureau of Investigation should be going after media leaks, and maybe even Hillary Clinton, instead.

He also said the committee will investigate who has been leaking classified information about investigations into Russia’s interference. “Must find leaker now!” As with any counterintelligence investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed.

On Feb. 13, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Trump’s choice for national security adviser, resigned after it was revealed that he had provided misleading information about his contact with a Russian ambassador in January.

“They should be investigated and prosecuted in a way that effects that seriousness”.

Comey was the latest government official to reject Trump’s claims, made without any evidence, that Obama had wiretapped his NY skyscraper during the campaign. There has been no evidence to support that wild accusation against the former president.

“We will follow the facts wherever they lead”, Mr Comey said. He asked then that there be an investigation which we’ve gone through.