WASHINGTON, May 24: President Donald Trump on Thursday directed the US intelligence community to “quickly and fully cooperate” with Attorney General William Barr’s investigation into the origins of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia probe.
“Today’s action will help ensure that all Americans learn the truth about the events that occurred, and the actions that were taken, during the last Presidential election and will restore confidence in our public institutions,” White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement, CNBC reported.
That investigation is looking into the government’s authorization of surveillance on Trump campaign aides during the 2016 election. Trump has said that the surveillance was unlawful and could lead to “long jail sentences.”
Barr announced shortly after Mueller concluded his investigation earlier this year that the Department of Justice was examining that surveillance, saying “spying did occur.” In May, it was reported that Barr had appointed a US attorney to look into the matter.
The White House signaled that information uncovered by Barr’s investigation will be made public, and granted Barr the authority to declassify materials related to it.
US officials say that while many interpreted Barr’s initial spying comments to be directed at the FBI, in reality, the core of his concern is the activities of other intelligence agencies at the start of the Russia probe.
(UNI)
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