Top Dem On Intel Committee: There Is ‘Evidence Of Collusion, Deception’ In Trump-Russia Investigation

On Monday, the House Intelligence Committee will begin hearings into the possible connection between the Donald Trump campaign and Russia, as questions continue to swirl around the administration about how much help Russia may have provided in the 2016 race for the White House.

Appearing Sunday on Meet the Press, the top Democrat on the committee, Adam Schiff, said he has already seen evidence of collusion between the Trump team and Russia, along with deception on the part of the administration, telling host Chuck Todd it surprised him when former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said no evidence of cooperation exists, to his knowledge:

“I was surprised to see Director Clapper say that because I don’t think you can make that claim categorically as he did. I would characterize it this way at the outset of the investigation: There is circumstantial evidence of collusion. There is direct evidence, I think, of deception and that’s where we begin the investigation.”

Schiff added that a full investigation is due the American people:

“There is certainly enough for us to conduct an investigation. The American people have a right to know and in order to defend ourselves, we need to know whether the circumstantial evidence of collusion and direct evidence of deception is indicative of more.”

Considering that several top former and current Trump advisers–Mike Flynn, Jeff Sessions, Jared Kushner–were all in direct contact with Russian ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislyak, there certainly appears to be plenty to look at. Also, with Trump’s unproven allegation that he was wiretapped by former President Obama, there is no shortage of issues the committee can help clarify. As yet, all the administration has offered is one lie after another. Which certainly makes one wonder exactly why they feel a need to stonewall whenever Russia is mentioned.

Here’s Congressman Schiff on NBC earlier today:

Featured Image Via NBC News Screengrab