But Moscow insists that it’s ‘just blather’
of this espionage and subversion.” He also brushed off suggestions that the U.S work with Russia on issues of cybersecurity.
“I’m surprised there are any Russian cyberexperts available based on how active most of them have been undermining our democracies in the West,” he said to laughter.
Despite the dire warnings, the White House appears indifferent to the possibility of a foreign power planning to again meddle in the most elemental of America’s civic engagements.
Trump has resisted enforcing sanctions against Russia in retaliation and even brazenly called for warmer relations with Moscow despite evidence of a coordinated attack on U.S. institutions.
On Saturday, Trump focused on the fact that the meddling began before his campaign and lasted until after the 2016 election,
“Funny how the Fake News Media doesn’t want to say that the Russian group was formed in 2014, long before my run for President,” he tweeted. “Maybe they knew I was going to run even though I didn’t know!”
The President appears more concerned with his election win not appearing tainted by outside help than with securing against America’s vulnerabilities, experts warned.
“These indictments remind us that the Mueller investigation has always first and foremost been about Russian interference in the election,” said William Banks, a professor at Syracuse University Law School. “Just about everyone but the President has characterized their interference as a serious threat to our democracy.”
Mueller, tasked with investigating Russia’s efforts after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, is also looking at whether anyone in the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin and whether or not the President has attempted to obstruct justice.
The wide-ranging probe has already brought serious charges against several Trump associates.
Former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his longtime business partner Rick Gates have pleaded not guilty to charges that include money laundering. Gates is reportedly negotiating a deal with prosecutors.
Disgraced ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign adviser George Papadopoulos both admitted to lying to the FBI and are cooperating with investigators.
Mueller has spent weeks interviewing White House staff and is reportedly looking at whether the President attempted to circumvent his investigation by firing Comey.