Offering no evidence, Trump says Russia
will back Democrats in election
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[July 25, 2018]
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President
Donald Trump said on Tuesday he believes Russia will work hard to sway
November U.S. congressional elections toward Democrats and not his
fellow Republicans, but provided no evidence to back up his assertion.
American intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia had interfered
in the 2016 U.S. election with a campaign of propaganda and hacking to
disparage Trump's Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton and aid Trump's
candidacy, and that Moscow is now targeting the Nov. 6 congressional
races.
"I'm very concerned that Russia will be fighting very hard to have an
impact on the upcoming Election. Based on the fact that no President has
been tougher on Russia than me, they will be pushing very hard for the
Democrats. They definitely don't want Trump!" the Republican president
wrote on Twitter.
Putin himself acknowledged he wanted Trump to win the 2016 presidential
race during a joint news conference with Trump after their July 16
summit in Helsinki. Putin denied meddling in the election.
Trump's summit performance drew a fierce backlash in the United States
after he shied away from blaming the Russian leader for the election
interference. Critics accused Trump of siding with Russia over his own
country by failing to so.
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President Donald Trump walks up the driveway prior to delivering
remarks at a showcase of American-made products at the White House
in Washington, U.S., July 23, 2018. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
Democrats are seeking to take control of the House of
Representatives and Senate in the November elections from the
Republicans. Wresting control of either or both chambers could allow
Democrats to derail or stall much of Trump's policy agenda, while
ushering in more aggressive congressional oversight and
investigation of his administration.
(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Susan Heavey; Editing by Tim Ahmann;
editing by Jonathan Oatis and Will Dunham)
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