Defense Secretary Contradicts Trump, Says There Is ‘Very Little Doubt’ Russia Interferes In Elections

Despite the fact that Donald Trump has repeatedly said he doubts Russia played any role in the 2016 American election, apparently his Secretary of Defense didn’t get that memo or his daily talking points.

Defense Secretary James Mattis, speaking to reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday morning, said he believes the Russians do indeed interfere in the elections of democratic countries:

“Right now, I would just say there’s very little doubt that they have either interfered or they have attempted to interfere in a number of elections in the democracies.”

The remarks from Mattis came only hours after his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, said he was hopeful for increased cooperation with the Pentagon and Russian President Vladimir Putin said it would be in the best interests of both countries to restore communications between their intelligence agencies.

Mattis, however, didn’t seem terrible interested in the offer from Shoigu or Putin, saying the United States and NATO would only deal with the Russians “from a position of strength.”

Those comments met with scorn from Shoigu, who replied:

“Attempts to build a dialogue with Russia from a position of strength would be futile.”

When told what Shoigu had said, Mattis tersely told reporters:

“I have no need to respond to the Russian statement at all. NATO has always stood for military strength and protection of the democracies and the freedoms we intend to pass on to our children.”

This new hardline approach to Russia seems odd considering that Trump has refused to say anything negative about Putin since he first declared his candidacy. Is this an attempt by the Trump team to appear tough on Russia as a way of countering the increasing coordination which has been revealed via leaks to the media? Earlier this week, National Security Adviser Mike Flynn resigned under a cloud of suspicion for contacts with the Russian ambassador prior to Trump taking office.

So now we’re left to wonder: Is Mattis speaking on behalf of Trump, or is he only stating his own opinion?

Featured Image Via NBC News