BBC has cited the Washington Post as reporting that President Donald Trump disclosed classified information concerning the Islamic State to Russia. The information was revealed to Russia through Russia’s foreign minister, as alleged by the U.S. media report.
According to the Washington Post, confidential information regarding the use of laptops in aircraft was revealed. The information revealed to the U.S. came from a third party and the U.S needs to be very careful about sharing information they have with the Russians, critics allege.
The meeting that was meant to remove barriers between Moscow and Washington has been met with resistance by Trump’s critics.
The information was strictly confidential, but it is alleged that Trump shared it with Russia according to officials who spoke to the New York Times and the Washington Post.
Links between Trump and Russia investigated
The Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI) has launched investigations into possible links between the Trump campaign and the Russian authorities.
Trump critics have accused him of being insensitive in handling foreign policies. Accusations have been rife on how undisciplined and inexperienced Trump is. The President revealed the plan of using laptop computers and the specific target where the threat had been detected, thus raising questions on how he handles sensitive issues. Nevertheless, it would seem that by speaking to Russia’s foreign minister the President Trump's remarks were not illegal, as he has the authority to declassify information.
The meeting was convened a day after Trump had sacked his FBI boss James Comey. Comey’s sacking triggered criticism as there was an ongoing investigation about the alleged Russian connection. Comey was in the process of investigating the Trump campaign and possible contacts with Russia.
White House report
US national security adviser HR McMaster has dismissed such reports that Trump leaked sensitive information during his meeting.
He said that the president and foreign minister reviewed issues involving common threats among the two countries, relating to civil aviation. He further added that the president did not reveal any military incursions that were not already in place. The same sentiments were echoed by the secretary of state Rex Tillerson who rebutted the allegations by saying, "the nature of specific threats were discussed, but they did not discuss sources, methods or military operations."
