Russia and Putin · First term · № 51
Said he would accept information on an opponent from a foreign government
“It's not an interference, they have information. I think I'd take it.”
- Said
- , Interview with George Stephanopoulos, ABC News, Oval Office
- Subject
- Foreign campaign help
- Type
- Intelligence and security
- Topic
- Elections
- Era
- First term
What happened
In an ABC News interview in the Oval Office on June 12, 2019, Trump was asked whether his campaign would accept information on an opponent from foreigners, such as Russia or China, or hand it to the FBI. He said, "I think maybe you do both," and that he would want to hear it. Told that FBI Director Christopher Wray had said the bureau would want to know about such offers, he said, "The FBI director is wrong." Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen Weintraub responded on June 13 that it is illegal to solicit, accept or receive anything of value from a foreign national in connection with a U.S. election. On June 14 Trump told Fox & Friends that "of course" he would report such an offer to the FBI or the attorney general.
Sources
- Interview: George Stephanopoulos of ABC News Interviews Donald Trump
- 'I think I’d take it': In exclusive interview, Trump says he would listen if foreigners offered dirt on opponents
- Ellen Weintraub, Federal Election Commission chief, blasts Trump over willingness to receive foreign dirt on opponents
- Interview: Donald Trump Calls in to Fox & Friends on His Birthday - June 14, 2019