Trump blocks release of Russia memo drafted by Democrats

[rooster59]

Trump blocks release of Russia memo drafted by Democrats

By Ayesha Rascoe

 

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 9, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday blocked the release of a classified memo written by congressional Democrats to rebut a Republican document that he allowed to be made public last week that claimed FBI and Justice Department bias against him in the federal probe of Russia and the 2016 U.S. election.

 

The Republican president's decision -- the latest controversy relating to an investigation that has hung over his year in office -- infuriated Democrats. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said, "Millions of Americans are asking one simple question: what is he hiding?"

 

White House Counsel Don McGahn said the Justice Department had identified portions of the 10-page memo written by Democratic members of the House Intelligence Committee that "would create especially significant concerns for the national security and law enforcement interests" of the country.

 

The White House also released a letter from the FBI director and the department's No. 2 official voicing concern about its release in relation to protecting U.S. intelligence sources and methods.

 

A week earlier, Trump had overruled similar objections from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Justice Department about releasing the memo written by the same committee's Republican members that took aim at senior law enforcement officials.

 

"The president's double standard when it comes to transparency is appalling, Schumer said.

 

Trump on Feb. 2 allowed the release of the memo written by the committee's Republicans with no redactions. Democrats said the Republican memo mischaracterized highly sensitive classified information and was intended to discredit Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of potential collusion between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia.

 

Mueller is also investigating whether Trump has committed obstruction of justice in trying to impede the Russia probe.

 

McGahn said the president would be willing to reconsider the release of the memo if the committee decides to revise it "to mitigate the risks" identified by the Justice Department.

 

FBI SURVEILLANCE

 

The committee's top Democrat, Adam Schiff, said the memo Trump blocked puts forth facts that the public needs to know, including that the FBI acted properly in seeking permission from a special court for surveillance of Carter Page, a Trump campaign adviser with ties to Russia.

 

Schiff said the committee's Democrats "take seriously" the Justice Department and FBI concerns and will review their recommended redactions. He said he hopes the matter can be resolved quickly so the committee can return to the Russia investigation.

 

The Intelligence Committee voted unanimously on Monday to release the document drafted by the panel's Democrats, contingent on the Republican president agreeing to reclassify it.

 

"Although the President is inclined to declassify the Feb. 5 Memorandum, because the memorandum contains numerous properly classified and especially sensitive passages, he is unable to do so at this time," McGahn said in a letter to Devin Nunes, the Republican chairman of the House panel.

 

The White House also released a letter sent to McGahn by FBI Director Christopher Wray and to Rod Rosenstein, the No. 2 Justice Department official, expressing concerns about the memo's release "in light of longstanding principles regarding the protection of intelligence sources and methods, ongoing investigations, and other similar sensitive information."

 

Democratic Representative Ted Lieu wrote on Twitter that Trump's action was outrageous, adding that he read the memo and is convinced that Trump "is now intentionally hiding relevant information from the American people in order to mislead the public. An innocent person would not block the memo."

 

The Republican memo portrayed the Russia investigation as a product of political bias at the FBI and Justice Department against Trump. The president said the document "totally vindicates" him in the Russia investigation, a claim disputed by Democrats and some Republicans.

 

Democrats last week warned Trump against using the Republican memo as a pretext to fire Rosenstein, who hired Mueller and oversees the investigation, or to remove Mueller himself. The Republican memo singled out Rosenstein and several other officials by name, including former FBI Director James Comey, who Trump fired in May 2017, as the agency investigated the Russia matter.

Mueller took over the investigation from the FBI.

 

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential campaign using hacking and propaganda, an effort that eventually included attempting to tilt the race in Trump's favor. Russia denies interfering in the election. Trump denies collusion with Moscow.

 

The Republican document asserted that a dossier of alleged Trump-Russia contacts compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele, and funded in part by U.S. Democrats, formed an "essential part" of requests to a special court to be allowed to conduct electronic surveillance on Page, an oil industry consultant with numerous contacts in Russia, that began in October 2016.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-02-10

[Silurian]

23 minutes ago, rooster59 said:

A week earlier, Trump had overruled similar objections from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Justice Department about releasing the memo written by the same committee's Republican members that took aim at senior law enforcement officials.

 

Hypocrites, they are hypocrites. Nothing short of a WH cover up here. The Republican memo was released amongst objections from the FBI and Justice Department yet the Democrats memo which has been passed by and approved by the FBI and Justice Department was blocked. The WH has absolutely no leg to stand on here. It shows the WH is trying to keep secrets and sway public opinion. Shame. Shame on them.

 

All those previous #releasethememo folks are quiet now or make excuses of their own. This was never about transparency. It is all about the slandering of the FBI and the Justice Department. This blocking of the Democratic memo proves that beyond any doubt.

 

 

[riclag]

Dem memo :Sent back,  reveals sources and methods.

"The White House also released a letter from the FBI director and the department's No. 2 official voicing concern about its release in relation to protecting U.S. intelligence sources and methods".

Reuters(This article)

 

 Gop memo:No sources or methods

“That’s it? Dishonest and misleading memo wrecked the House intel committee, destroyed trust with Intelligence Community, damaged relationship with FISA court, and inexcusably exposed classified investigation of an American citizen,” Comey tweeted. “For what? DOJ & FBI must keep doing their jobs.”

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/02/nunes-memo-james-comey-reaction-386079

 

Release the Fisa transcripts

Edited February 10, 2018 by riclag

[Langsuan Man]

Trump:    this is what obstruction looks like 

[Silurian]

GOP Memo:

Only Republicans voted to release

Written with input from WH staff

Not pre-screened by FBI and Justice Dept

WH said they would release even before bothering to read it

Impact: Dud, waste of time and energy

 

Dem Memo:

Unanimous approval to release from both Republicans and Democrats

Pre-screened by FBI and Justice Dept before submitted to WH

WH complains it is 10 pages long (guess too much for Donald to read and comprehend)

Impact: Not released but shows hypocrisy of the WH. Smells of a cover up.

 

  

[riclag]

12 minutes ago, Silurian said:

GOP Memo:

Only Republicans voted to release

Written with input from WH staff

Not pre-screened by FBI and Justice Dept

WH said they would release even before bothering to read it

Impact: Dud, waste of time and energy

 

Dem Memo:

Unanimous approval to release from both Republicans and Democrats

Pre-screened by FBI and Justice Dept before submitted to WH

WH complains it is 10 pages long (guess too much for Donald to read and comprehend)

Impact: Not released but shows hypocrisy of the WH. Smells of a cover up.

 

  

"Only Republicans voted to release" -"Yup

"Written with input from WH staff" - Do you have sources ?

"Not pre-screened by FBI and Justice Dept"-  It was screened  ,they didn't want it released.

"WH said they would release even before bothering to read it"- what ever

"Impact: Dud, waste of time and energy" -Correct , Comey said "that's it"!

 

Release the  Fisa transcript!!!!!

Edited February 10, 2018 by riclag

[simple1]

As has been highlighted the "Democrat memo was sent to Trump by unanimous vote of the House Intelligence Committee". Trump again over rules his security advisers for his own personal agenda. Trump is beyond ridiculous with his attempts at suppressing Special Counsel Muller; what is he so worried about? 

 

Another senior member of the  FBI has just resigned in protest due to Trump's behaviour.

 

Sadly the Electoral College put in-place a President who repeatedly disrespects, indeed encourages, disdain for the Rule of Law. Trump is on track to likely cause long term damage to the environment, economy, cohesion and respect for the USA. Trump is unfit to represent the Office of the President of the USA.

Edited February 10, 2018 by simple1

[Bluespunk]

3 hours ago, rooster59 said:

White House Counsel Don McGahn said the Justice Department had identified portions of the 10-page memo written by Democratic members of the House Intelligence Committee that "would create especially significant concerns for the national security and law enforcement interests" of the country.

Liar. 

 

It would cause serious concern to the grand poobahs ego. 

 

That is why he won’t release it. 

Edited February 10, 2018 by Bluespunk

[riclag]

24 minutes ago, simple1 said:

As has been highlighted the "Democrat memo was sent to Trump by unanimous vote of the House Intelligence Committee". Trump again over rules his security advisers for his own personal agenda. Trump is beyond ridiculous with his attempts at suppressing Special Counsel Muller; what is he so worried about? 

 

Another senior member of the  FBI has just resigned in protest due to Trump's behaviour.

 

Sadly the Electoral College put in-place a President who repeatedly disrespects, indeed encourages, disdain for the Rule of Law. Trump is on track to likely cause long term damage to the environment, economy, cohesion and respect for the USA. Trump is unfit to represent the Office of the President of the USA.

"Another senior member of the  FBI has just resigned in protest due to Trump's behaviour".

Did she actually say that she quit due to protest PTrump behavior  ? I didn't see her comment to your claim

Edited February 10, 2018 by riclag

[simple1]

4 minutes ago, riclag said:

"Another senior member of the  FBI has just resigned in protest due to Trump's behaviour".

Did she actually say that she quit due to protest ? I didn't see her comment to your claim

A waste of time responding to you with your deflections, troll responses, apologist posts, laughing emoticons etc, etc, etc One last time...

 

The U.S. Justice Department’s third-ranking official, Rachel Brand, will resign and take a senior job at Walmart Inc (WMT.N), with sources familiar with her decision saying on Friday that she had grown increasingly uncomfortable with President Donald Trump’s attacks on her department and the FBI.

 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-justice-brand/as-trump-attacks-u-s-law-enforcement-another-top-official-quits-idUSKBN1FT2XP

 

https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/08/fbi-texts-officials-resign-400533

 

 

 

 

Edited February 10, 2018 by simple1

[Jingthing]

Pretty darned predictable.

"trump" never voluntarily releases ANYTHING that will be politically damaging to him.

Even when he repeatedly promises that he will.

That is basic "trump" 101 folks!

 

 

Edited February 10, 2018 by Jingthing

[Silurian]

1 hour ago, riclag said:

"Only Republicans voted to release" -"Yup

"Written with input from WH staff" - Do you have sources ?

"Not pre-screened by FBI and Justice Dept"-  It was screened  ,they didn't want it released.

"WH said they would release even before bothering to read it"- what ever

"Impact: Dud, waste of time and energy" -Correct , Comey said "that's it"!

 

Release the  Fisa transcript!!!!!

 

2 White House Officials Helped Give Nunes Intelligence Reports

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/30/us/politics/devin-nunes-intelligence-reports.html

 

Devin Nunes didn't respond when asked if staff worked with White House on House intel memo

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/devin-nunes-didnt-respond-when-asked-if-staff-worked-with-white-house-on-house-intel-memo/article/2647737

 

Schiff: Dems will review suggested memo redactions from DOJ, FBI

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/373234-schiff-dems-will-to-review-recommended-memo-redactions-from-doj-fbi

 

Quote

Schiff said Committee Democrats had submitted the memo to the DOJ and FBI for vetting before the panel voted to release the document...

 

Per Schiff, the original memo has already been vetted by the DOJ and FBI. But at least Schiff is willing to let the DOJ and FBI take another look at it.

 

Oh, and that "what ever" comment shows the hypocrisy that I am talking about. The WH planned to release the GOP memo no matter if it had any classified or harmful material but didn't have the same feelings for the Democratic memo. Just bury your head in the sand with a "what ever" comment. Typical.

 

Edited February 10, 2018 by Silurian

[Jingthing]

I want to add that personally I don't think any of these memos should have been released to the public. Such matters should be under review by congress. But the partisan republican memo was released for obvious partisan republican reasons so given that mistake, the partisan democratic memo should be released as well. 

[DoctorG]

ReleaseTheMemo.

Yes, you read this correctly. I wanted the first one released, and I want this one released too.

POTUS should send it back to the Dems and tell them to release it, telling them that it will be their responsibility for any breaches of national security contained therein.

If it is as bland as the first one (that the FBI and Dems carried on about) then there will not be any problems.

I would like the FISA applications declassified as well, but that is unlikely to happen.

[mamypoko]

He can't release the Dem memo. He's under audit.

[jackh]

The Democrats purposely worded their memo so Trump would have to redact it or refuse it's release. Typical Democrat trap that Trump is too wise to fall for.

 

Now the Democrats crying towels come out!  haha

 

If they want their memo released, they better remove the secret things 1st. Simple. 

[simple1]

6 minutes ago, jackh said:

The Democrats purposely worded their memo so Trump would have to redact it or refuse it's release. Typical Democrat trap that Trump is too wise to fall for.

 

Now the Democrats crying towels come out!  haha

 

If they want their memo released, they better remove the secret things 1st. Simple. 

Ooops - "Democrat memo was sent to Trump by unanimous vote of the House Intelligence Committee". 

[Becker]

12 minutes ago, simple1 said:

Ooops - "Democrat memo was sent to Trump by unanimous vote of the House Intelligence Committee". 

Shame on you for messing with the alternative facts the man-child supporters use to support their guy!!!

[mikebike]

28 minutes ago, jackh said:

The Democrats purposely worded their memo so Trump would have to redact it or refuse it's release. Typical Democrat trap that Trump is too wise to fall for.

 

Now the Democrats crying towels come out!  haha

 

If they want their memo released, they better remove the secret things 1st. Simple. 

You do realize BOTH these memos were written as classified documents weeks ago. No one was redrafting to include confidential materials.

[joecoolfrog]

The noose tightens !

[Srikcir]

I wonder with this memo mess manufactured by Nunes will get Nunes an invite to visit the FBI in its investigation of possible obstruction of justice over its Russian interference investigation. If he does, he'll find how face Trump will abandon him.

[boomerangutang]

Just when you think the Divider-in-Chief can't go any lower into swamp mud, .....he goes deeper.

[boomerangutang]

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

I wonder with this memo mess manufactured by Nunes will get Nunes an invite to visit the FBI in its investigation of possible obstruction of justice over its Russian interference investigation. If he does, he'll find how face Trump will abandon him.

I think it's a given, that Nunes is/will be in deep doo doo. My guess: for conspiracy in Obstruction of Justice.  When the smoke settled on The Watergate problem, over 50 people inside the Beltway went to jail.  This Russia-Trump thing is a lot bigger than Watergate.  

Don't be surprised if most or all of the following do hard time:

Trump Jr, Ivanka, Jared, Bannon, Hope Hicks, Trump Sr, Pence, Kelly, Huckabee-Sanders, Conway, Cohen, Miller, Sater, Flynn, Manafort, Page, Priebus, Nunes, Sessions, Roger Stone,

 

......the list goes on a lot longer.

[stevenl]

8 minutes ago, boomerangutang said:

I think it's a given, that Nunes is/will be in deep doo doo. My guess: for conspiracy in Obstruction of Justice.  When the smoke settled on The Watergate problem, over 50 people inside the Beltway went to jail.  This Russia-Trump thing is a lot bigger than Watergate.  

Don't be surprised if most or all of the following do hard time:

Trump Jr, Ivanka, Jared, Bannon, Hope Hicks, Trump Sr, Pence, Kelly, Huckabee-Sanders, Conway, Cohen, Miller, Sater, Flynn, Manafort, Page, Priebus, Nunes, Sessions, Roger Stone,

 

......the list goes on a lot longer.

Good kist, but it's not going to happen.

[alocacoc]

Well, since the credibility of Dems is below zero, this desperate step to release the memo wouldn't help them at all. We lezen that the Democrats colluded with Russia. Time is running against the Dems. More news next week.

 

Sent from a so called Smartphone using an App.

 

 

 

 

[Basil B]

Hope it gets leaked...

[smotherb]

57 minutes ago, alocacoc said:

Well, since the credibility of Dems is below zero, this desperate step to release the memo wouldn't help them at all. We lezen that the Democrats colluded with Russia. Time is running against the Dems. More news next week.

 

Sent from a so called Smartphone using an App.

 

 

 

 

Sounds like the only smart thing there is the phone

[boomerangutang]

1 hour ago, alocacoc said:

Well, since the credibility of Dems is below zero, this desperate step to release the memo wouldn't help them at all. We lezen that the Democrats colluded with Russia. Time is running against the Dems. More news next week.

Well, you've got things turned upside down, .....somewhat like a flat-earther who looks at the bottom of the pancake.

[alocacoc]

Hope it gets leaked...

It would hurt the Dems. Keep in mind they fabricated the memo in panicmode.

Sent from a so called Smartphone using an App.

[Basil B]

43 minutes ago, alocacoc said:

It would hurt the Dems. Keep in mind they fabricated the memo in panicmode.

Sent from a so called Smartphone using an App.
 

So Trumps not the only one from "Cloud Cuckoo Land"