The Latest: White House declassifies GOP memo on FBI tactics
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and the FBI (all times local):
11:55 a.m.
The White House says it has declassified a GOP-authored memo on the Russia probe. That clears the way for the House Intelligence Committee to release the document, which is based on classified information and alleges the FBI abused U.S. government surveillance powers in its investigation into Russian election interference.
Principal Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah says President Donald Trump cleared the way for publication of the controversial memo, despite objections from the FBI. The four-page memo was drafted by Republicans on the committee chaired by Rep. Devin Nunes of California.
The FBI, Justice Department and Democrats have furiously lobbied Trump to stop the release. They say it could harm national security and mislead the public. Republicans on the committee have said they believe they’ve uncovered serious misconduct that needs to be made public.
The White House is in the final stages of reviewing a classified congressional memo on the Russia investigation that President Donald Trump has said he wants released. Democrats call the memo a “cherry-picked” list of Republican talking points. (Feb. 1)
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7:12 a.m.
President Donald Trump is lashing out at Democrats, as he criticizes the FBI over the investigation of potential ties between Russia and his 2016 campaign.
Trump tweeted a quote from the head of the conservative group Judicial Watch Friday morning.
He tweeted: “‘You had Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party try to hide the fact that they gave money to GPS Fusion to create a Dossier which was used by their allies in the Obama Administration to convince a Court misleadingly, by all accounts, to spy on the Trump Team.’ Tom Fitton, JW”
Fitton appeared on “Fox and Friends” Friday.
Trump is expected to clear the way for the publication of a classified memo on the Russia investigation that Republicans say shows improper use of surveillance by the FBI.
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