FBI Director James Comey and the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper have reportedly backed the CIA's claims that Russia tried to swing the U.S. election in favor of President-elect Donald Trump, The Washington Post reports. "Earlier this week, I met separately with FBI [Director] James Comey and DNI Jim Clapper, and there is strong consensus among us on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our presidential election," CIA Director John O. Brennan reportedly said in an internal message sent to the agency's staff.
The CIA and the FBI declined to comment to the Post. Trump has repeatedly dismissed reports that Russia meddled with the election: "If Russia, or some other entity, was hacking, why did the White House wait so long to act? Why did they only complain after Hillary [Clinton] lost?" he tweeted Thursday.
President Obama earlier Friday vowed to retaliate against Russia for its meddling in last month's election, while Clinton in a speech to donors Thursday put the blame squarely on the Russian cyberattack — and FBI Director Comey's letter to Congress regarding her email investigation — for her loss.
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