By Steve Neavling
Ticklethewire.com
The Republican-led House Intelligence Committee on Friday released a highly redacted, final report on its one-year Russia investigation, saying it found no evidence that the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow to undermine the 2016 presidential election.
But Democrats, in a scathing rebuttal, accused Republicans of drawing a premature conclusion in a “a systematic effort to muddy the waters and to deflect attention away from the President.”
Trump seized on the report to amplify his assertion that special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation should end.
“Just Out: House Intelligence Committee Report released. ‘No evidence’ that the Trump Campaign ‘colluded, coordinated or conspired with Russia,’ ” Trump wrote. “Clinton Campaign paid for Opposition Research obtained from Russia- Wow! A total Witch Hunt! MUST END NOW!”
The final report closes what has been a politically contentious investigation with little agreement between Republicans and Democrats.
Republicans did conclude Russia sought to sow discord ahead of the election by launching cyber attacks and propaganda campaigns on social media.
The Senate judiciary and intelligence committees are conducting their own investigations, as is Mueller, who so far has landed indictments against more than 20 people and entities.
