Intelligence chief reaffirms Russia is trying to meddle in the midterms, says he doesn't know what Trump and Putin discussed


Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats on Thursday said that the cyberattacks that are persistently working to "weaken and divide the United States" are targeting all Americans, "regardless of party."
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Coats emphasized the "pervasive messaging campaign" that could influence the 2018 midterm elections, but said the efforts were not as "robust" as the interference in the 2016 elections.
"We acknowledge the threat," said Coats. "It is real. It is continuing. And we're doing everything we can to have a legitimate election that the American people can have trust in." Coats drew ire from the Trump administration last month when he expressed surprise at President Trump's apparently cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. One officials said Coats had "gone rogue," additionally criticizing his choice to issue a statement that reaffirmed his confidence in Russia's "ongoing" attempt to "undermine our democracy." His comments came after Putin said he wanted Trump to win in 2016.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Coats seemed to be back in alignment with Trump's messaging Thursday, appearing at the briefing with other administration officials like Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. However, when asked about the details of Trump's conversation with Putin at their summit in Helsinki more than two weeks ago, Coats said he wasn't "in a position to either understand fully or talk about" the summit.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
Trump hits Africa, Middle East with new travel ban
Speed Read The travel ban bars visitors from 12 countries and restricts entry from seven
-
Elon Musk slams Trump's 'pork-filled' signature bill
speed read 'Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong,' Musk posted on X
-
Depleted FEMA struggling as hurricane season begins
speed read FEMA has lost a third of its workforce amid DOGE cuts enforced by President Donald Trump
-
White House tackles fake citations in MAHA report
speed read A federal government public health report spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was rife with false citations
-
Judge blocks push to bar Harvard foreign students
speed read Judge Allison Burroughs sided with Harvard against the Trump administration's attempt to block the admittance of international students
-
Trump's trade war whipsawed by court rulings
Speed Read A series of court rulings over Trump's tariffs renders the future of US trade policy uncertain
-
Elon Musk departs Trump administration
speed read The former DOGE head says he is ending his government work to spend more time on his companies
-
Trump taps ex-personal lawyer for appeals court
speed read The president has nominated Emil Bove, his former criminal defense lawyer, to be a federal judge