FBI backs CIA conclusion on Russian hacking motive: Official

CIA Director John Brennan speaks during a news conference at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, in this 2014 file photo. (AP Photo)

WASHINGTON: The FBI is supporting the CIA’s conclusion that Russia interfered in the presidential election with the goal of supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump.
In a message sent to employees, CIA Director John Brennan said he had spoken with FBI Director James Comey and James Clapper, the director of national intelligence.
Brennan said in the message that “there is strong consensus among us on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our presidential election.”
A US official who had seen the unclassified message from Brennan confirmed it to The Associated Press on Friday.
President Barack Obama is promising that the US will retaliate against Russia for its suspected meddling in America’s election process, an accusation the Kremlin has vehemently denied.

Putin’s ‘personal beef’
Hillary Clinton is blaming Russian interference for her defeat in the presidential race. She’s casting her failed campaign as part of a long-running effort by Putin to discredit the fundamental tenets of American government.
The former Democratic nominee is citing a “personal beef” with Putin as a possible reason for the country to meddle in the race.
She says the hacking of Democratic groups are an “attack on our country” and part of a “long-drawn strategy” to undermine American democracy.
Clinton also cited the late-October release of a letter by FBI Director James Comey about her use of a private server as a reason for her loss.
Clinton spoke at a Thursday night gathering with campaign donors in New York City.