Former CIA chief saw signs of possible collusion between Trump and Russia

Former CIA director John Brennan said on Tuesday that he had seen signs of possible collusion between Moscow and President Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign that merited investigation, and had warned Russia last year about meddling in the election.

Brennan’s comments came amid a political storm in Washington triggered by Trump’s firing on May 9 of FBI Director James Comey. Comey was heading an FBI probe into Russian election interference and possible collusion with Trump’s campaign, leading to accusations by Trump critics that the Republican president has sought to curtail the FBI inquiry.

Brennan, who left as CIA chief when Trump took office in January, said it became clear last summer Russia was trying to interfere in the election, and that he warned the head of Russia’s FSB security service that such interference would hurt US ties.

US intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to tilt the election campaign in Trump’s favour, including by hacking into the emails of senior Democrats. Moscow has denied the allegation. Trump has denied any collusion but the FBI and congressional probes into the Russia matter have dogged the early months of his presidency.

“It should be clear to everyone Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process and that they undertook these activities despite our strong protests and explicit warning that they do not do so,” Brennan told the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.