'Absurd': Fmr. CIA Director Brennan slams Trump's 'Russiagate' allegations

Russian Interference in 2016 Election - The intelligence community assessment concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, aiming to harm Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump [3][7] - The assessment did not include any judgment on whether Russian influence operations impacted the election outcome [5] - The assessment did not include any reference to collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, focusing instead on Russian actions [6] - Subsequent reviews, including a bipartisan Senate Select Committee review, endorsed the assessment's conclusions [7] The Steele Dossier - The Steele Dossier played no role in the intelligence assessment's findings or conclusions [2] - A short summary of the Steele Dossier was included as an annex to the assessment document at the insistence of the FBI [2] Current Administration's Actions - The Trump administration, including DNI Gabbard and CI Director Radcliffe, has been accused of mischaracterizing the assessment's conclusions [4] - Referrals have been made to the Justice Department accusing members of the Obama administration of lying about the assessment [9][10] - The Justice Department is reportedly considering these referrals, potentially forming a strike force to investigate [12][13] Concerns and Rebuttals - There are concerns that Trump loyalists in key positions could attempt to punish individuals regardless of the evidence [15] - Former intelligence officials stand by the assessment and deny any conspiracy [14][16] - The current situation is seen as potentially giving Putin cover and impacting intelligence community professionals [17][18]