As Russia probe began, Trump called on spy chiefs for help
A head of appointment of special counsel Robert Mueler, U.S. President Donald Trump asked Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency at the time, to help him on the allegations about Russia meddling in 2016 presidential election.
- World
- AP
- Published Date: 02:47 | 21 April 2019
- Modified Date: 02:47 | 21 April 2019
Two months before special counsel Robert Mueller was appointed, President Donald Trump called the head of the largest U.S. intelligence agency.
Trump told Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency at the time, that news stories alleging that Trump's 2016 White House campaign had ties to Russia were false. Trump asked whether Rogers could do anything to counter them.
Trump's outreach to Rogers and other top intelligence officials stands in sharp contrast to his public, combative stance with his intelligence agencies.
At the time of the call, Trump was about 60 days into his presidency, but he'd already managed to alienate large parts of the intelligence apparatus with comments denigrating the profession.
Yet in moments of concern as Mueller's investigation proceeded, Trump turned to his spy chiefs for help.