Priebus says Trump accepts the Russian hacking report

President-elect Donald Trump now accepts the conclusion of the FBI, NSA, and CIA that the Russian government hacked Democratic targets in an attempt to influence the American presidential election, incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Sunday.

Trump "is not denying that entities in Russia were behind this particular hacking campaign," Priebus said in an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News. Priebus also reported that Trump has asked U.S. intelligence agencies for recommendations on how to respond to the hacks, and depending on their input, "actions may be taken."

Earlier this week, Trump still maintained his longstanding position that allegations of Russian election meddling — especially successful interference — are a "political witch hunt" designed to detract from his victory. President Obama already retaliated against Russia with a package of sanctions.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up