Allegations Of Collusion Between The Trump Campaign And Russia Continue To Fall Apart As Democrats And Republicans Agree That There Is No Evidence The Trump Campaign Colluded With Russia

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TOP TAKEAWAYS

Multiple congressional investigations over the last few months have found no evidence the Trump campaign colluded with the Russian government during the 2016 election.

Members of Congress from across the political spectrum have stated there is no evidence of collusion took place.

High level members of the intelligence community who served under President Obama have stated they have no seen no evidence of collusion.

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INVESTIGATIONS IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE HAVE FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF COLLUSION BETWEEN THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN AND RUSSIA

The House Intelligence Committee Has Found No Evidence Of Collusion

Democrats Have Been Demanding Investigations Into Potential Russian Ties To Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign For Months. "Democrats in Congress raced to every open microphone Wednesday to demand a broad and independent investigation of Russian ties to Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the president's handling of information about his subordinates' contacts with Russia." (Erin Kelly and Deirdre Shesgreen, "Democrats Press For Trump-Russia Probes On All Fronts," USA Today , 2/15/17)

The House Intelligence Committee Began Examining Possible Ties Between Russian And President Trump's Campaign In January. "A House Intelligence Committee investigation is covering whether there were possible ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, as well as other efforts by Moscow to meddle in the U.S. election. The House committee joins its Senate counterpart in pursuing such an inquiry. In a joint statement, Republican Chairman Devin Nunes and ranking Democrat Adam Schiff, both of California, said the scope of the committee's probe includes 'any intelligence regarding links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns.'" (Gabrielle Levy, "House Panel Probing Possible Links Between Russia, Trump Campaign," US News & World Report , 1/25/17)

The Ranking Democrat On The House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff (D-CA) Told Jake Tapper On "State Of The Union" That There Is No "Definitive" Proof Of Collusion Between The Trump Campaign And Russia. "'I don't think we can say anything definitively at this point,' Schiff said. 'We are still at the very early stages of the investigation. The only thing I can say is that it would be irresponsible for us not to get to the bottom of this.'" (Tim Hains, "Adam Schiff: There Is No 'Definitive' Proof Of Any Trump-Russia Connection," RealClear Politics , 4/2/17)

The Senate Select Committee On Intelligence Has Found No Evidence Of Collusion

The Senate Intelligence Committee Also Began Investigating Possible Contacts between the Trump Campaign and Russia in January. "Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said late Friday that his committee will investigate possible contacts between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia, reversing himself one day after telling reporters that the issue would be outside of his panel's ongoing probe into Moscow's election-disruption efforts. Burr and the intelligence panel's top Democrat, Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, said in a joint statement that the committee's probe would touch on 'intelligence regarding links between Russia and individuals associated with political campaigns' as well as Russian cyberattacks and other election meddling outlined in an intelligence report released last week." (Elana Schor, "Intelligence Committee Will Investigate Possible Russia-Trump Links," Politico , 1/13/17)

According To Vice Chairman Of The Senate Intelligence Committee Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), No Evidence Of Collusion Between Trump Campaign And Russia Has Been Found. "Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said while attempted Russian interference is clear, the question of whether there was collusion is still unknown. 'We know what Russia has done to interfere in the electoral process,' the Virginia Democrat told CNN. 'Now we have to see what kind of conversations or coordination could have taken place between individuals affiliated with the Trump campaign and the Russians. We will follow the intelligence wherever it leads.'" (Jim Sciutto, "Trump Says No Collusion; GOP And Dem Members Say Case Isn't Closed," CNN , 5/10/17)

"Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said while attempted Russian interference is clear, the question of whether there was collusion is still unknown. 'We know what Russia has done to interfere in the electoral process,' the Virginia Democrat told CNN. 'Now we have to see what kind of conversations or coordination could have taken place between individuals affiliated with the Trump campaign and the Russians. We will follow the intelligence wherever it leads.'" (Jim Sciutto, "Trump Says No Collusion; GOP And Dem Members Say Case Isn't Closed," CNN , 5/10/17) "Democrats On The Intelligence Committee Now Quietly Admit… They Don't Expect To Find Evidence Of Active, Informed Collusion Between Trump Campaign And Known Russian Intelligence Operatives." "Even some Democrats on the Intelligence Committee now quietly admit, after several briefings and preliminary inquiries, they don't expect to find evidence of active, informed collusion between the Trump campaign and known Russian intelligence operatives, though investigators have only just begun reviewing raw intelligence. Among the Intelligence Committee's rank and file, there's a tangible frustration over what one official called 'wildly inflated' expectations surrounding the panel's fledgling investigation." (Ali Watkins, "Inside The Investigation To Get To The Bottom Of Russia's Role In The Election," Buzzfeed , 3/9/17)

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), A Member Of The Senate Intelligence Committee, Told Wolf Blitzer She Had Not Seen Evidence That There Was Collusion Between Trump Associates And Russia During The Campaign. CNN's WOLF BLITZER: "Do you believe, do you have evidence that there was in fact collusion between Trump Associates And Russia during the campaign." SEN. FEINSTEIN: "Not at this time." (Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Interview with Wolf Blitzer , Washington, DC, 5/3/17)

Feinstein Reiterated That There Was No Evidence Of Collusion In Another Interview With Wolf Blitzer Two Weeks Later. BLITZER: "The last time we spoke, Senator, I asked you if you had actually seen evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians, and you said to me -- and I am quoting you now -- you said, 'not at this time.' Has anything changed since we spoke last?" SEN. FEINSTEIN: "Well, no -- no, it hasn't. …" BLITZER: "But, I just want to be precise, Senator. In all of the -- you have had access from the Intelligence Committee, from the Judiciary Committee, all of the access you have had to very sensitive information, so far you have not seen any evidence of collusion, is that right?" SEN. FEINSTEIN: "Well, evidence that would establish that there's collusion. There are all kinds of rumors around, there are newspaper stories, but that's not necessarily evidence." (Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Interview with Wolf Blitzer , Washington, DC, 5/18/17)

Senator Manchin Told John Dickerson On "Face The Nation" There Was "Nothing There" In Terms Of Direct Evidence Pointing To Any Collusion. JOHN DICKERSON: "Have you seen anything that suggests any collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign." SEN. MANCHIN: "Well, there is an awful lot of smoke there, let's put it that way, people who may have said they were involved, to what extent they were involved, to what extent the president may have known about these people there is nothing there from that standpoint that we see directly linking our president to any of that." (Sen. Joe Manchin, Interview With John Dickerson, Washington, DC, 5/8/17)

BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS HAVE SAID REPEATEDLY THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF COLLUSION

Senator Coons Denied There Is Any Evidence Of Collusion

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) Said "I Don't Have Conclusive Proof Of Collusion," Walking Back An Earlier Claim That There Were Transcripts Showing Trump-Russia Collusion. CHRIS WALLACE: "Why would you suggest in that clip that I just played for Senator Cotton that there are FBI transcripts that show, and I want to get your words, "provide very critical insights" in the collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians?" SENATOR COONS: "What I was trying to make clear, Chris, and I appreciate a chance to restate this, is that I don't have, and I don't know of, any conclusive proof one way or the other about whether there was collusion between senior levels of the Trump campaign and Russian officials. But I believe that our intelligence community, which is the most sophisticated in the world, has intercepts, has raw intelligence, and it's important that the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting an investigation be given access to those intercepts, to transcripts of those intercepts, so that they can get to the bottom of this." (Sen. Chris Coons, Interview with Chris Wallace, Washington, DC, 3/5/17)

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Has Said There Is No Evidence That President Trump's Campaign Colluded With Russia

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) Acknowledged That There Is No Evidence That President Trump's Campaign Colluded With The Russians. "Waters acknowledges there is no evidence yet, however said, 'much of what you saw coming out of Trump's mouth was a play from Putin's playbook.'" (Ian Schwartz, "Maxine Waters: No Actual Evidence Yet, But Connecting The Dots Will Lead To Trump Impeachment," RealClear Politics , 5/18/17)

Senator Lindsey Graham Has Said That He Has Seen No Evidence Of Collusion.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Said In March He Has Seen No Evidence Of Collusion Between The Trump Campaign And Russia. "'I've seen no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. I've seen no evidence of a wiretap being requested by the Department of Justice, a warrant,' he said." (Eugene Scott, "Graham: I Will Subpoena FBI For Wiretap Answers If Need Be," CNN , 3/15/17)

Senator Graham Reiterated This Position In A Recent Interview Saying "There Is No Evidence Of Collusion Between The Trump Campaign And The Russians." Sen. Graham: "There is no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians that I've seen as of this date, I do not believe the president himself is a target or subject of any criminal investigation as of right now. So, that's what I know right now and where this goes I don't know. Follow the facts where they lead." (Sen. Lindsey Graham, "Fox News' America's News HQ, 5/18/17)

Congressman Sean Duffy Stated There Is No Evidence Of Collusion.

During An Interview With Chris Cuomo, Congressman Duffy (R-WI) Said "There Is No Evidence Of Collusion." "Cuomo pressed Duffy to acknowledge that there is no definitive evidence suggesting that there wasn't collusion between Trump and Moscow. Duffy pushed back that neither side can be sure about the allegations. 'The cable news networks are aflame of running stories about collusion between Trump and Russia and you don't know and I don't know that,' he said. 'What I think is happening is, there is a conversation about collusion. And my point is, there is no evidence of collusion.'" (Nikita Vladimirov, "GOP Lawmaker Clashes With CNN Anchor Over Russia Probe," The Hill , 5/19/17)

TOP INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS FROM THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION HAVE SAID THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF COLLUSION BETWEEN THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN AND RUSSIA

Clinton Ally And Former Acting CIA Director Michael Morell Stated There Was No Evidence Of Collusion

Clinton Ally Michael Morell, The Former Acting CIA Director, Cast Doubt On Allegations That The Trump Team Colluded With Russia. "Former Acting CIA Director Michael Morell, who endorsed Hillary Clinton and called Donald Trump a dupe of Russia, cast doubt Wednesday night on allegations that members of the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. Morell, who was in line to become CIA director if Clinton won, said he had seen no evidence that Trump associates cooperated with Russians. He also raised questions about the dossier written by a former British intelligence officer, which alleged a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia." (Ken Dilanian, "Clinton Ally Says Smoke, But No Fire: No Russia-Trump Collusion," NBC News , 3/16/17)

Morell Stated There Is No Serious Evidence Showing Trump/Russia Connections. "Morell said he had learned that the former officer, Christopher Steele, paid his key Russian sources, and interviewed them through intermediaries. 'On the question of the Trump campaign conspiring with the Russians here, there is smoke, but there is no fire, at all,' Morell said at an event sponsored by the Cipher Brief, an intelligence web site. 'There's no little campfire, there's no little candle, there's no spark. And there's a lot of people looking for it.'" (Ken Dilanian, "Clinton Ally Says Smoke, But No Fire: No Russia-Trump Collusion," NBC News , 3/16/17)

Morell Added That General Clapper's Statement On "Meet The Press" Was A "Pretty Strong Statement." "Morell Pointed Out That Former Director Of National Intelligence James Clapper Said On Meet The Press On March 5 That He Had Seen No Evidence Of A Conspiracy When He Left Office January 20. 'That's A Pretty Strong Statement By General Clapper,' Morell Said." (Ken Dilanian, "Clinton Ally Says Smoke, But No Fire: No Russia-Trump Collusion," NBC News , 3/16/17)

Former Director Of National Intelligence James Clapper Said There "Was No Evidence Whatsoever" Of Trump Campaign Collusion With Russia

Former Director Of National Intelligence James Clapper Said, "There Was No Evidence Whatsoever… Of Collusion Between The Trump Campaign And The Russians. "Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told ABC News he did not see anything to suggest that Russia successfully infiltrated Donald Trump's presidential campaign or recruited any of Trump's advisers - at least as of Jan. 20, when Clapper left office. 'There was no evidence whatsoever, at the time, of collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians,' Clapper, a retired three-star general and career intelligence officer, told ABC News' Brian Ross in an interview Monday for 'World News Tonight.'" (Brian Ross, James Gordon Meek, And Matthew Mosk, "'No Evidence' Trump Campaign Aides Recruited By Russia, Former Spy Chief Says," ABC News , 3/9/17)

On March 5, When Asked If There Were "Definitively" Improper Contacts Between The Trump Campaign And Russia, Clapper Responded "Not To My Knowledge… At The Time, We Had No Evidence Of Collusion." MSNBC'S CHUCK TODD: "That's an important revelation at this point. Let me ask you this, does intelligence exist that can definitively answer the following question, whether there were improper contacts between the Russia campaign or intelligence officials." FORMER DNI JAMES CLAPPER: "We did not include evidence in our report and that's NSA, FBI and CIA with my office, the director of national intelligence that had anything -- that had any reflection of collusion between members of the trump campaign or the office, was there no evidence of that in our report. "TODD: "I understand that, but does it exist?" CLAPPER: "Not to my knowledge." TODD: "If it existed it would have been in the report?" CLAPPER: "This could have unfolded or become available in the time since I left the government. At the time, we had no evidence of collusion." (MSNBC's "Meet The Press," 3/5/17)

When Asked To Clarify, Clapper Said "That's Correct" When Asked If There Is No Proof Of Collusion. TODD: "What's not proven is the idea of collusion?" CLAPPER: "That's correct." (MSNBC's "Meet The Press," 3/5/17)

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