U.S. Intelligence Chief: Trumped Up Russia "Spy Doc" Not From US Intelligence Community

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January 12, 2017

James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence for the United States and the administration of Barack Obama said today that the “leaked” document which contributed to false news stories by Buzzfeed and CNN was not a government document.

Despite being passed off by media outlets as a “leaked government document” about President-elect Donald Trump, Clapper said the information contained in the document has not been confirmed by any U.S. intelligence agency.

He spoke last night with Trump.

“This evening, I had the opportunity to speak with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss recent media reports about our briefing last Friday. I expressed my profound dismay at the leaks that have been appearing in the press, and we both agreed that they are extremely corrosive and damaging to our national security,” clapper said.  “We also discussed the private security company document, which was widely circulated in recent months among the media, members of Congress and Congressional staff even before the IC became aware of it.”

Clapper emphasized that this document is not a U.S. Intelligence Community product and that he did not believe the leaks came from within the IC.

“The IC has not made any judgment that the information in this document is reliable, and we did not rely upon it in any way for our conclusions,” he added.  “However, part of our obligation is to ensure that policymakers are provided with the fullest possible picture of any matters that might affect national security.”

Clapper issued reassurance that despite the media narrative of a contested relationship between Trump and the intelligence community, it is more media spin than reality.

“President-elect Trump again affirmed his appreciation for all the men and women serving in the Intelligence Community, and I assured him that the IC stands ready to serve his Administration and the American people,” he said.

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

Phil Stilton

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