Trump Administration Tones Down Skepticism on Russia Hacking Evidence
Summary:
Fresh signs emerged Sunday that President-elect Donald Trump could embrace the intelligence community’s view that the Russians were behind a computer-hacking operation aimed at influencing the November election. Reince Priebus stated that the president-elect “would accept the conclusion if these intelligence professionals would get together, put out a report, show the American people that they are actually on the same page.” His statement follows an intensifying bipartisan push on Capitol Hill to launch a separate investigation into the matter. Mr. Trump has called for opening up new lines of cooperation with Russia, and some of his critics in both parties have said his refusal so far to say Russia tried to interfere in the election was a sign that he doesn’t believe that Moscow is a U.S. adversary.
Fresh signs emerged Sunday that President-elect Donald Trump could embrace the intelligence community’s view that the Russians were behind a computer-hacking operation aimed at influencing the November election. Reince Priebus stated that the president-elect “would accept the conclusion if these intelligence professionals would get together, put out a report, show the American people that they are actually on the same page.” His statement follows an intensifying bipartisan push on Capitol Hill to launch a separate investigation into the matter. Mr. Trump has called for opening up new lines of cooperation with Russia, and some of his critics in both parties have said his refusal so far to say Russia tried to interfere in the election was a sign that he doesn’t believe that Moscow is a U.S. adversary.
A number of Republicans have advised Mr. Trump to proceed cautiously with Russia, saying the nation’s president, Vladimir Putin, is looking to expand his influence in the Middle East and Eastern Europe and threaten American alliances.
On Sunday, four senators—including Republicans John McCain and Lindsey Graham—sent a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling for a temporary select committee “on Cyber” to probe the alleged Russian hacks, among other things. They said that allowing existing congressional committees to look into the hacks is difficult because there are too many committees that have claimed oversight.
Questions:
How will Trump's presidency influence Russian policy incentives?
How aggressive will Trump be in dealing with Russia?
Will Trump set a new precedent for American foreign policy?
Questions:
How will Trump's presidency influence Russian policy incentives?
How aggressive will Trump be in dealing with Russia?
Will Trump set a new precedent for American foreign policy?
Trump's willingness to work with Russia is one of the most interesting aspects of his upcoming presidency. Putin and Russia will most likely take this chance to take advantage of Trump's favorable views towards them, and it's likely that Moscow will attempt to expand their interests in the Middle East and surrounding European states and test Trump. Despite the US intelligence reports about the cyberattack, Trump refuses to acknowledge it was Russia until a "unified presentation." This might suggest that Trump could favor lenient policies towards Russian aggression, which scares me.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Trump himself might look to become more lenient toward Russia the rest of his party is hard set in their opposition to Putin. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has come out and said that Russia is no ally and must be opposed by the United States. In addition Speaker of the House Paul Ryan has opposed many actions Putin and Russia have made. This leads me to believe that even if Trump wants to work with Russia his party will not allow him too, and if he does attempt to work with Putin Trump runs the risk of being pushed farther out of his own party (something Trump's Chief of Staff Reince Priebus would not want to happen).
DeleteI would agree with your claim that the Republican Party will make attempts to push Trump to a more hard-line policy in regards to Russia, but I would not underestimate Trump's unwillingness to listen to his own party (he's gone against the Republican Party establishment on several issues before). Additionally, the executive branch has the most amount of power to deal with Russia (president, secretary of state, ambassador). Under Trump's leadership, we may see Trump and his cabinet members follow a lenient policy in regards to Trump.
DeleteTrump may well change the face of American foreign policy, particularly concerning Russia. Although he seems to be brushing off the cyber attacks, the president elect has shown little interest in Ukraine and it is not yet clear what his view on Russia's role in Syria are. In fact, he has gone so far as to claim that the people of Crimea would rather be in Russia anyways. In short, his views could prove dangerous and contradict the stance of the Republican Party.
ReplyDeleteSeeing Kate's response, it becomes even clearer that Trump may exude an apathetic response to the entire situation. Perhaps his lack of action could signify a greater interest in current domestic affairs. It could also ensue trouble in the near future when it comes time to act, and America lacks a clear stance on foreign policy issues. Then again, he may be doing what the Republicans advised him: preceding cautiously.
DeleteI agree with Kate's response that he will be less interested in Ukraine and Syria, seeing that he is pretty close to Russia and Putin it makes it even more clear that he is going to allow Russia to further be involved in Syria and Ukraine. Furthermore, it could be argued that although he has claimed to have a harsh stance against ISIS and will bomb them significantly, he could also stay with little action like what he is claiming to want to do for Crimea.
DeleteSuch an alliance may not be a bad thing for the US. If Trump and Putin maintain good relations, the US will prevent future conflict with Russia. Furthermore, the US may receive Russian aid against ISIS. The US may very easily deinvolve themselves in situations in which they are set against Russaia in order to receive their aid in the Middle East.
DeleteTrumps openness to working with Russia will definitely increase Russia's activity throughout the world. Russia will most likely use Trump's willingness to work with them as a tool to expand their reach in other areas like the middle east. Trump won't be too aggressive with Russia as he wants to work with them and grow relations between our two countries. I think Trump will definitely set a new precedent for American foreign policy by weakening its limits and setting newer, more lenient policies in their place.
ReplyDeleteTrump will likely not be particularly aggressive with regard to Russia. With his seemingly friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin, he will be more inclined to view the US and Russian Federation as allies rather than Cold War-era enemies. However, given Russia's historically close relationship with China, Trump could be caught in the position of being against an ally of Putin's.
ReplyDeleteAlso, his recent cabinet picks, many of whom have ties to Russia, will improve the likelihood that he will have a good relationship with Russia. Despite this, Trump has said very controversial things about China that could complicate that relationship.
DeleteTrump really has no reason to be extremely aggressive with Russia. He has vowed for better relations with them all through his campaign, as well as he has appointed members to his cabinet who are friendly with Russia. Whether Trump acknowledges that Russia possibly assisted him in the election or not, it's not going to change his views on them. If they did help him, it's only another reason for why he should be in good relations with them. If they did not, he will continue with his original plans anyway. The hacking does not mean much to him.
ReplyDelete