Even before Election Day, Donald Trump had been accused of having a business relationship with Russia, always making sure to avoid criticism of President Vladimir Putin during his campaign. Following the election, the CIA, FBI and the White House all confirmed that Russia was behind the election hacking that was revealed by Wikileaks, though Trump is still pushing back.
Trump Twitter denial
It was just weeks after Donald Trump pulled off the upset over Hillary Clinton that the CIA came forward with the results of their secret investigation. The conclusion found that Russia was responsible for hacking into the Democratic National Committee, with the goal helping to elect the former host of "The Apprentice." Despite the evidence, Vladimir Putin has denied any wrongdoing, while Wikileaks founder Julian Assange claims that Russia was not being the hack.
After making favorable remarks about Wikileaks on Wednesday, Trump received instant backlash, which he addressed on his offical Twitter account on January 5.
The dishonest media likes saying that I am in Agreement with Julian Assange - wrong. I simply state what he states, it is for the people....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2017
"The dishonest media likes saying that I am in Agreement with Julian Assange - wrong," Donald Trump wrote with a Friday morning post on Twitter. "I simply state what he states, it is for the people to make up their own minds as to the truth," Trump went on to say. The billionaire real estate mogul then when on to continue his attack on the press, tweeting, "The media lies to make it look like I am against "Intelligence" when in fact I am a big fan!"
to make up their own minds as to the truth. The media lies to make it look like I am against "Intelligence" when in fact I am a big fan!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2017
Partisan split
While nearly all aspects of American politics have been split down the party line, the issue of the Russian hacking has taken a different turn.
Despite Donald Trump dismissing the idea that Russia hacked the election, a bipartisan effort is growing in Congress to investigate the matter further. On Friday morning, Arizona Sen. John McCain announced the creation of a Senate cybersecurity subcommittee that will work to prevent future cyber-attacks, while pushing back against the idea that Wikileaks is a credible source for information.
John McCain: Should we attach any credibility to Julian Assange?
— CNN (@CNN) January 5, 2017
Clapper: “Not in my view” https://t.co/ROAJwNLZOu https://t.co/CkYSie91tc
Next up
Even with the divide in the Republican party, Donald Trump is less than three weeks away from being sworn in as the new commander in chief, giving the GOP control of Congress and the White House in the process. While Trump and his supporters are preparing to celebrate, over 100,000 protesters are expected to be in attendance on Inauguration Day.