Unsubstantiated 35-page document denounced by Trump as ‘fake’

World Today

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is wrangling with the Intel Agencies he will soon be relying on as Commander-in-Chief.

Trump appeared indignant over what he said were unauthorized leaks to the press, and is repudiating a 35-page document published online which purports his ties to Russia.

CGTN’s Daniel Ryntjes reports.  Follow Daniel Ryntjes on Twitter @danielryntjes

The 35-page dossier contains unsubstantiated claims about possible Russian surveillance of Donald Trump’s personal behavior during a visit he made to Moscow in 2013, along with allegations of political and financial collaboration between Trump personnel and Russia.

It was published online by media outlet, just hours before Donald Trump held a news conference this week, prompting Trump to compare the U.S. intelligence community to Nazi Germany.

The Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper then called Trump to express his dismay over the leaks, emphasizing that it the dossier wasn’t produced by the U.S. intelligence community product and wasn’t leaked by intelligence officials.

Trump then tweeted “James Clapper called me yesterday to denounce the false and fictitious report that was illegally circulated. Made up, phony facts. Too bad ! ”

But Clapper is making clear that the claims are still being investigated, just as members of Congress are receiving classified briefings about allegations of hacking, which the Russian government vehemently denies.

While acknowledging the intelligence community’s conclusions, Donald Trump is insisting that he will seek to improve his personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to try to solve broader global issues, such as battling ISIL.


Joel Rubin discusses Trump’s reaction to hacking charges

Trump finally admits to Russia hacking, but also accused China for hacking. What’s with the mixed messages behind his friendly attitude towards Moscow but not Beijing ? CGTN’s Asieh Namdar spoke with Joel Rubin, president of Washington Strategy Group.