Rep. Adam Schiff Adam Bennett SchiffSchiff to subpoena top DHS official, alleges whistleblower deposition is being stonewalled Schiff claims DHS is blocking whistleblower's access to records before testimony GOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power MORE (D-Calif.) said Sunday the Obama administration made "a very serious mistake" for not taking action against Russia after learning of election meddling.

"I think the administration needed to call out Russia earlier, needed to act to deter and punish Russia earlier, and that was a very serious mistake," Schiff told host Dana Bash on CNN's "State of the Union."

Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, reasoned that President Obama reacted slowly because he was "worried about being perceived of trying to tip the scales for Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonBloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida Hillicon Valley: Productivity, fatigue, cybersecurity emerge as top concerns amid pandemic | Facebook critics launch alternative oversight board | Google to temporarily bar election ads after polls close Trump pledges to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, designate KKK a terrorist group in pitch to Black voters MORE" and that he didn't want to feed then-Republican candidate Donald Trump's narrative that the election was "rigged" against him.

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The Washington Post reported last week that Obama knew Russian President Vladimir Putin was attempting to influence the 2016 election results months before the election took place.

Trump slammed Obama Saturday for failing to act more aggressively after learning about Russia's efforts to interfere in the election

"Since the Obama Administration was told way before the 2016 Election that the Russians were meddling, why no action? Focus on them, not T!" Trump tweeted.

The California lawmaker said on Sunday Trump should not complain about the news of Obama administration's delayed response to Russia's interference because Trump urged the Russians to hack into her emails.

"I think that was a mistake, but I have to contest what President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE is saying, because for Donald Trump who openly egged on the Russians to hack Hillary Clinton's emails and celebrated every release of stolen documents — to criticize Obama is now a bit like someone knowingly receiving stolen property blaming the police for not stopping the theft," Schiff continued, adding that the president "is in no position to complain here."

Other Democrats have similarly criticized Obama for his administration's response.