White House calls for accountability for those who engaged in 2016 Russia hoax
Former CIA Director John Brennan and other intelligence agency officials must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating allegations about President Donald Trump’s connections with Russia during the 2016 election, according to the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the need for those involved in the political scandal to be held responsible for the fraud committed against President Trump and the lies told to the American people. Leavitt’s comments come in response to a declassified review by CIA Director John Ratcliffe that revealed deviations from intelligence standards in the Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) examining Russia’s interference in the election.
The review found that the inclusion of the infamous “Steele Dossier” in the ICA went against fundamental tradecraft principles and undermined the credibility of key judgments. The dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, contained unverified and salacious allegations about Trump’s connections to Russia. Despite objections from within the agency, Brennan favored narrative consistency over analytical soundness, ultimately insisting that the dossier be included in the report.
As the director of the CIA from 2013 to 2017 under the Obama administration, Brennan played a significant role in advancing the Russia collusion narrative. The review also revealed that Brennan had met with other top intelligence officials to coordinate on the ICA, emphasizing a consensus on Russian interference in the election.
The findings of the declassified review underscore the need for accountability within the intelligence community. Brennan’s actions and decisions have come under scrutiny, with calls for him to address his role in perpetuating the Russia collusion narrative. It remains to be seen how Brennan and other officials implicated in the review will respond to these revelations.
In conclusion, the declassified review highlights the importance of upholding intelligence standards and ensuring transparency within the intelligence community. The White House’s stance on holding officials accountable for their actions sends a strong message about the need for integrity and credibility in the field of intelligence. As the repercussions of the Russia collusion narrative continue to unfold, the focus on accountability and transparency will remain paramount.
