Transcript for The Briefing Room: Sanders denies Trump believes Russia not targeting U.S.

Good afternoon. Well announcements. The president will be traveling to Kansas City, Missouri next Tuesday July 24. He'll address the veterans of foreign war a 119 annual convention. President trump is committed to our veterans and has worked reformed a BA inter ensure veterans are given the care and support they deserve. The president looks forward to being with the more than 4000 veterans in attendance. Yesterday the US senate confirmed Randy quarrels as the vice chair for supervision at the Federal Reserve. But it is unfortunate that his nomination was continually delay. There are still three more nominees to the Fed who have yet to receive about. It is inexcusable that senate Democrats have delayed confirming the president's nominees and even worse example of unnecessary delay is the nomination of Don stop. To be a commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. There's no opposition to her but yet she has been waiting for 400 days for a vote. We urge senate Democrats to stop these unnecessary delays in confirm these qualified nominees. Lastly on behalf of the president in the White House we offer prayers for United States Secret Service special agent. Knoll Edward we're Megan and his family including his wife and two young children. The Secret Service announced this morning that agent ray Megan suffered a stroke while on duty in Scotland last week and is tragically passed away. He was a five year veteran of the United States Marines and spent nineteen years with the Secret Service. The president in the First Lady are deeply grateful for his lifetime devotion to his country. And the men and women of the Secret Service make enormous sacrifices for safety and security and we are forever in their dad and with we'll take your. Questions major. Us earlier CS president. Is rush still targeting us he said. So the president actually believes the understand the question. Position. That no question is not doing anything to interfere or metal would put me. Chances because the president after those comments the president was sit thank you very much missing notes at answering questions. The president and his administration are working very hard to make sure that right Russia is unable to meddle in our elections. As they have done in the past is that we have stated. We've it's going off. Well since there's currently not an election today. Not specifically but we certainly believe. That we are taking steps to make sure they can't do it again unlike previous administrations. This president is actually taking. Bold. Action and reform to make sure it doesn't happen again. But. He does believe. That day. Would target certainly US elections again the president and Vienna. The red lights we. All of this. No there's edges and that's why we're taking steps to ensure that these things don't happen again we wouldn't actually spend as much time and effort. As we aren't we didn't believe that they were still looking at us from the beginning of his administration president trump is actually taken action. To defend our election system from meddling and interference when I read through a few of the things that we're doing. In May of 2017 president trounce on an executive order to strengthen and review the cyber security of our nation and its critical infrastructure. The Department of Homeland Security has taken the lead in working with all fifty states local governments and private companies to improve election security. DHS has increased coordination among all election partners. 34 states 52 county and local governments and five election companies receive cyber security scans regularly from ths. DHS plans provide on site risk and vulnerability assessments to all states that request so far eighteen states have requested this assessment. A new pilot program was launched increase rapid response capabilities on Election Day and in 2017 on site cyber security support was provided. In march of 28 teen congress provided the Election Assistance Commission. With 380. Million dollars in funding for election assistance grants. To states these are steps that we've taken to prevent it from happening these are steps that we've taken because we see that there's a threat there Sicilian. We're likely to send the person might link threat is still on going from Russia. Does this White House believes it currently this threat is still. Certainly like I just said we believe that there Brett still exist which is why are we are taking steps. To prevent it again you wouldn't go through that lengthy process if you work. Residency and while his father. Public comment. Criticizing. Press decades inside. I'm comments that Russia and edited it never should control Germany. Press conference Monday where he Dallas for a cast doubt Clinton's seat Cessna. Rush when it's like email us. Again the president slimy to clarify the position. He solved how his comments were being interpreted he looked at the transcript in clarified those comments. The response. The rest of the night. Tree. Near the working right. Certainly. Weren't looking at that. But just to clarify note that there was massive media hysteria yesterday. Over confusion between that individual in a White House staffer which I think shows. Frankly. The outrageousness. And the just desire to find the negative in everything that this president does just because somebody was Simply Red headed there were accused of the team. Some sort of spy for Russia. I think that this is gotten totally out of control at Disney to take a little bit of a step back slowdown in quit going after the trump administration on every single. Let's two rumor has given the response the net Indians were I so we're looking at it. But this is a lengthy process we're going through it. However I do have a response to the fact that simply because somebody had the same hair color they were accused of being a Russian spy about large number of people frankly in this room. Revert back. The president today secretary of state. Progress being made in talks street types of Mexico. And wondering where they're trying to with Mexico and Canada and also. And our. Opportunity for now is investors choosing to go. That's currently SC. Its progress and we're we're continuing. Both of those tracks. We see a lot of progress on the conversations with Mexico and if we could make a bilateral deal with them were certainly. Very happy to do that but again we're continuing those conversations both tracks night. Is there Russian authorities yesterday several Americans when questioned me when we're involved in your Brothers. Fines and news terms including former pastor. Votes present support. The president's gonna meet with his team and we'll let you know we have an announcement on that six talk. Reasons. There was some conversation about it but there wasn't a commitment made on behalf of the United States and the president will work with his team and we'll let you know there's an announcement like. The president earlier today so that there could be quote tremendous retribution. For the European Union if there's not a deal struck on auto imports in the past he has talked about potentially. Pretty terrible at 20% without looking at today by tremendous retribution or is it possible. Certainly that's an option on the table of the president. Is considering that we are in the investigation process right now and we'll let you know we have an announcement gimmick you. Brought up the defense. Did it to Beige Book just came out which is anecdotes cross country what's happening with the economy here's another headline. Manufacturers are concerned about terrorists. They're dealing with higher prices because trade terrorists are increasingly metal prices and act prices have fallen because it's not fair it's not necessarily today. It rosy picture which terrorist situation your response. To those headlines plus. And the president is focused on long term economic principles. We have one of the strongest economies that we've had in decades he continues to look for ways have helped protect American workers he's gonna continue to do that. On a number of different fronts in a number of different ways again this a short term the president hopes to open up. A number of different markets and to create a more playing trade field. Across the globe in its. It left Rick in Finland president. It he left in. Russia. He said it hoped that. Most part have confidence in both part. After young woman was killed in Charlotte still not it's not vote Virginia after protesting neo Nazi he said I think there's blame on both sides. Some people isn't a front page continuously making false equivalency. It equivalence that what he's an accurate. Would not compare the two situations the president. I think. Said exactly what he thought yesterday in his remarks in order for you back to that's Josh. Thank god. And I'll that the press. For instance sixteen question in pop in the mid term. Attack on democracy American democracy US the secretary's comments securities editor. I'm American democracy but the president said that the Democrats are weak Republican. Base is even better systems. It is at issue but the beer in his office here gets into the hundreds. Again the president. Thinks that we have to focus on securing our election. Integrity and our election systems which is why he has spent so much time with his administration making sure that this doesn't happen again. Let's not forget that this didn't happen under president trumps watch this happened under the Obama administration were taking steps. We're making bold reforms to try to fix this in make sure it never happens again. Because we take it seriously because we recognized that our election system are incredibly important and is certainly cornerstone of our democracy job. The Internet ours and throughout the press have been too aren't enough of do make up Syria was originally in any peace deal with any sense of what came out of that DV. As certainly as the president said. A number of issues were raised including Syrian humanitarian aid her rans nuclear ambition Israeli security North Korean denuclearization. Ukraine in the occupation of Crimea reducing Russian and US nuclear arsenals and of course. Your favorite topic. Rushes interference and our elections. All of these issues were talked about this is the beginning of the dialogue west. Russia and our administration and there's we're gonna continue working through those things but those were all of the topics and certainly probably others. Recovered. On a number of issues from annexing them Crimea to. Election meddling in the president's use this network and criticized his predecessor Barack Obama for what happened on the history on band Vladimir Putin. The reasons why the president is operable critical food for some of these events that the entire world stages has really gone after about. Look I think the president as he has said many times before has been tougher on Russia than anybody I think you can see that in all of the actions that he's taken. Whether it was. A plant that was closed due to aluminum and steel tariffs that were put in place by this president. The Treasury Department has issued new sanctions on numerous individuals and entities in Russia. The president's continued sanctions on Russia's malicious cyber activity. In response to election hacking we've expelled sixty Russian operatives from the United States in close to consulates. President trump issued four statements condemning Russia's poisoning of UK citizens on UK soil. Authorizes so lethal aid to Ukraine authorize military strikes against the aside regime in Syria and has repeatedly called out Russia's actions. Exporting energy to our allies in Eastern Europe but the president has been extremely tough on Russia and to say anything different just not true. Other world leaders by name for more from I'm when he criticized. Gutenberg. I think he had eyes I think Kia has. Call them out for interfering in our election he's been tough on Russia repeatedly. And he's taken action against Russia on a number of fronts that I just listed off and one month ago Barbara these critical of the who backed. Look they had a number of conversations the president discussed some of these things directly face to face with Vladimir Putin he addressed him again yesterday. The president also sees this as an opportunity as he said many times to be able to work with Russia. He recognizes the fact that 90% of the world's new clear. Weapons are under the direction of the United States and Russia he thinks it's a good thing to get along with the other person controls. That much of the nuclear arsenal across the globe he wants to create a more stable world a more peaceful world. And we can't do that if we can't get along with Russia in some capacity and so certainly. We called him out we've been tough we've approached this in a totally different fashion and has been previously done because what's been done in the past. Hasn't worked so we're trying to new approach. But to act like he hasn't been talked on Russia that he hasn't called them out is simply not true and it's simply completely changes. Everything that this administration has done ever. Hours after it doesn't make you can't just and allegedly threatening him some. Short term but that's only true reform very deal and outside since terror. Two weeks ago. It seems like that news broke down on health status of them are quite different secretary is meeting mama. And what would take from Chinese were from US to restore it. Look I'm gonna negotiate with you guys in the leave that to us secretary in the nation ambassador a lot of hazards. We're continuing to have conversations with China were continuing. To look for ways that we can have a better trade deal with them. Soon. There are up on next question she asked about the idea who offered. Essentially allowing Robert Mueller his investigators Russia to oversee Europe witnessed interrogations of Russian military intelligence officers if the US reciprocate. Russian investigators come here. The watch American citizens face questions about crimes allegedly committed rush. The president called it an interesting idea he said it was credible all want to save. So it was an interesting idea he didn't commit to anything he wants to work with his team. I determine if there's any validity that would be helpful to the process but again we've committed to nothing. And it was an idea that they threw out. Sarah some Democrats on Capitol Hill now are. Saying they want to drag the translator who was in the room with the president and flatter them. Before congressional committees find out exactly what was said. In their private meetings that something the White House would ever. And hasn't been that would go through the State Department might. Do you have the list of soldiers winters for. In this industry which sanctions this hospital its president bring out over the booster and up to. And our I have to ask a picture Alex there's one worker when yesterday. The president's. Revision. Who is she widely that in meetings. Rooms. It could have been others to metal. Was pure free of any specific. Intelligence on that was it is disease and certain. The president receives a number of briefings and has talked about the subject pretty extensively. Were aware of others that have made attempts that I ticketed in an ad here at this point out that street is where I think I'm getting everything. To despite. The video that shows that president looking Cecilia and answering no to this question about whether Russia is a target US and despite multiple in the courtroom understand that the president lustrous. Respond to that question. And as vice president had never force Edward don't know repeatedly some reports that room. Yes you're saying you're safe harbor here's a president is the first thing a president says. After the question was asked was thank you very much and he said no and I answering questions. And it even further I think even Cecilia didn't realize what the answer was could she asked for clarification knee didn't answer the follow up. Nice. She wasn't sure I talked to the president he wasn't answering that question he was saying no he's not taking questions and I've stated her position as. Images of president is the second time in three days of the president of the White House come out and reverse what the president has set to act you know what I'm. I mean they didn't let the president's not reversing. And when I was in Iran as well I didn't take it delayed its. Boy watches this president have any credibility to Americans in what he said as if in fact my partner or in this case three hours later the White House comes out and sisters can. First ball that's not what ice. I was interpreting what the president is intention wasn't stating the administration's policy. Not exactly what you just explained. We never sit just kidding and I think and I think that use. Can take the fact that the president has credibility because he saw that he would miss spoken. And he wanted to clarify that yesterday which he did so when he sees that he's misspoke and he comes unease as tourists. And that's cardinal and I just follow up questions hairs are asking. Jordan told us the president has been let's get out of it and Jordan Jordan. Good morning sir he's at Alia and it's a question I'm sure that. I don't let it is I don't think anybody from. I remember that time president has publicly called a Latin. An eight by stating the fact that the president. Said that Russia interfered with our election it's a pretty bold call out of another world leader Jordan militants. Sinners review have been home introduced legislation that would impose new sanctions on Russia if the intelligence agencies find big metal. In the anything in terms from future. What does the president strong support the booklet that. Not gonna get into hypothetical situation and to wait until we see. You know a final piece of legislation also determination if there's election Natalie. Again our goal is to stop that from happening which is why. We've spent such a significant amount of time in the first year and a half of our administration focusing on protecting the election integrity says. There is merged giant at the center right. Photos of President Clinton to badly if we can go Rockies have evolved you choose not colony is voter suppression part of that election. Process the president is trying to look Portland and are you not answer that. Boys all the other candidates considered community in America I'm asked about yeah answered John it as a right. Thank you sir I want to ask you about. Immediate reaction to president's comments that he. Press conference details that was me. Every. Cable channel fox NBC CNN reacted any. It is just the president made it did not believe that Russia in her here and US presidential election. I got my. In books inundated when emails Republican members of congress they react immediately and 24 hours 24 hours. For president to correct the record why he takes so long. For the president to clarify the comments. Look the president put out an initial tweet after. Boarding Air Force One. That clarified his comments. On the intelligence community wanted to make sure that was clear at the very first chance he had. In a public setting the following day he clarified his comments. And I don't think that it was that long for that to be the very first public appearance that he had following arriving back says the United States it's actually. Pretty long time and it was out there but was actually 24 hours before he responded at all again and he put out an initial tweet from Air Force One. It sounds to clarify his remarks changed woods who. And I think that you know like people would argue that there was ample time for the president consult time from Air Force One. Anywhere he did not to put out a statement which clarifies what he meant his. Soaring twenty and he didn't. But what works for so long. Once he reviewed the transcript he wanted to publicly. He wanted to publicly address. The clarification which she did. Clear yeah. Release that are currently effort in congress each deputy. Roberts is that something at the White House was worked for lack of cooperation in turning over documents to congress. The president's made clear he would like all documents to be turned over but we're continue to work with. The art department of justice and anything. Jim good idea. Aren't all with the White House announced that they're happy to do they have confidence within it. The president would like to see. The documents turned over. When the president no longer has confidence in someone his administration let you know camera. Conference were prime minister may I ask she was leaving. Whether or not he would help let Anderson stay out of US elections. As he was leaving with prime minister he says yes the president's health Vladimir Putin at their summit in Helsinki to stay out of US elections. That's certainly the president as both he and president Putin's sad discuss selection meddling I think we've made very clear what our positions on. This just election meddling but does the president of the United States tell president Russia. To stay out of US like it's the president the president has made clear. Two Vladimir Putin that he should stay out of US elections are and it look what you have to say don't go ahead with journal report was a reporter Jim and yeah last question. It was we're putting me of their one on one meeting accidents and I. I Wear them the services that the president is very concerned about the election process. You talk about what he's doing he did not did not mention. Voter suppression first impressions been issued for war. Decades. And particularly in these last few elections voter suppression on the table he was talking about voter fraud people talking over expressive. Voter suppression on the tape. We want to do everything within our power to protect the integrity of our elections and were a look at that on a number of fronts the recent arrest. Address these specific issues is because of Russia's involvement in our elections in the past a minute take one last question. There aren't change top human primate. And goes out sure it. Thank you actually incoming president of Mexico has made two very bold suggestion number one he's looking at giving amnesty. To the drug cartels operating within there today they come out and say they're seriously walking act legalizing. All drugs in Mexico. They do that obviously is gonna have a tremendous impact. On the incoming amount of drugs that the the into the United States what is the president's. Position on that no all they don't do anything. Two. Stop that. Certainly were in a continue engaging. With our Mexican partners. I don't have a specific policy announcement on that front however I can say that we would not support the legalization of all drugs. Anywhere and certainly wouldn't want to do anything that would allow more trucks to come into this country. Thanks so much at her. It's. How Smart to do. Everybody welcomed the return on ABC that is wired joined where the Mercury climbed White House producer Catherine callers what a day. What a briefing we haven't had one and over a week but there was a lot to dissect today after the White House. Has tried to do full line damage control cleanup mode after the president's. Disastrous press conference at Vladimir Putin walk back yesterday and another walk back today. Here's the big moment earlier today are Cecilia Vega was in the Roosevelt room. Asked the president. A key question here's the big moment that made news this morning just a little article it's Nicholas. Sicilian. Where nightly news at the end I was sat quietly threat is still going from Russia. Does this White House believed that currently this threat is still. Certainly like I just said we believe that there threats still exist which is why are we are taking steps. To prevent it again you wouldn't go through that link the process if you aren't. And that was cirrus Sanders trying to clean up question Cecilia asked the president earlier. In the Roosevelt room Rick she put to him she said. Quite simply. Do you believe the Russians are targeting us now. He seemed to say now. He seemed to say now and it's the second in a rather we're talking about a syllable and conveying the opposite of what we're told the meant originally the president yesterday saying he meant to say it wouldn't instead of would. Today it's a no that the White House is taking back and the White House has real credibility issues here guys because. You're hearing the so many Republicans they just don't understand where he stands on this and the the lack of a clear position now two days 48 hours after that news conference. Is infuriating baffling to Republicans have a talking to so many the last couple days you just cannot figure out where the White House actually stands on this why this is even issue a public Monday it was an embarrassment it's only. How it is suspending its so so tough for any of the White House outlets that the but her clean up since Saturday as pretty remarkable she says that. The president is saying no to answering questions Cecelia says no you don't believe that indicates that Russians though. Meddling in our elections and is still threatened he. Specifically answered no again which contradicts the intelligence community which again. When he said he accepts the conclusion of the intelligence community yesterday and that it could have been other people and a contradiction there as louse as an advocate. It's a big mess it's part of it from playbook muddy the water. Obfuscate the the truth a little bit get everybody swirling sir Sanders they're calling it mass media hysteria. Over the Russians but but as you say captain Republicans are very alarmed about this when this is a very different juncture. I'm in some of the preview increase controversies involving Russia let's bring institute Vega who is the woman at the center. Of the news today driving mr. Hillary Cecilia. You hear you are there. Give us your take what the president was actually saying to you and how significant it was just a few hours. Bullets certainly significant. But you know I think it's very easy for all of us to get into the role of trump whisperer presidential mind reader can't do that as much as I might like to try to interpret. What he wouldn't what I think he may have sat to me it was very clear he was answering my question he looked right at me. Question was that I asked him in that this rate today couples break here in the cabinet room it was. Quiet he heard it I asked point blank do you believe that Russia is still interview in your interfering. And targeting the United States opening act. The ups I can remember exactly what I Athens. And the magic of television. And he said well and that and then he's thank you know and and and that Wrangler tried to usher us out of the room and I went back as they can't wait. Really need to clarify my agent room at thirtieth standing answer. He again said now thank you very much. You heard president here's here's entity trying to walk that back they too and an attempt and walked back where they say now that he was saying that he no longer wanted to answer questions. From reporters but yet then right after he said no to me he went on and answered another question from my colleague at the Associated Press. So I don't think that this has about not wanting to answer questions. That's the conversation batting behind closed doors secretary Press Secretary Eric Anders says that get the answered she stick it. Of course the Director of National Intelligence was an ambiguous just two days ago and it took the extraordinary step of putting out a statement in response to the president's own mass let's put that on the screen we do have it. Among other things Dan Coats the president's hand picked. Director of National Intelligence did cite in ongoing. Effort to disrupt the American democratic system that is by the Russians. And Cecilia that was what you were referring to today pretty clear cut. Before we let you go you from left the briefing REIT I tried unpacked this they've given multiple answers. Where do you think they stand right now do you think this White House is in fact. Believing and mobilized to confront a threat that their own Director of National Intelligence seizes on going. I I think it's just a more heads scratching. It's probably happening behind the scenes here or the people having to deliver the message. Perhaps for the president himself and certainly for those of us trying to coverage you can hear it via helicopters landing here at this point but you know. As this briefing was ending I I ask their Sanders in there today I'll think that you know that it. Is this conflict who's right here the Director of National Intelligence says specifically is read is still ongoing. But yet in this briefing series ended even seemed set to some way a little bit on that what would she said there is no election right now also she didn't believe. That that the quiet that the question of targeting was still happening that was her first answer they see simple background is that absolute. Please we do believe our intelligence agencies and and do believe that that there is still ongoing fifth. You know I think that there is an issue and messaging here if it they've got to get the line the story and the response street they don't yet have it down. For now they're very comfortable the president is very comfortable blaming the Obama administration. Were falling over his own messaging here but as we heard from members of congress even Republicans in his own party. That is not cutting it right now and certainly he's not immediately get away. An affiliate bay get thank you so much of the White House directive if folks at home are suffering from whiplash Republicans on the hill certainly are too just in extraordinary turnabout in statements today from top Republicans in the senate. Yeah and the general consensus among Republicans who want to be supportive of president trop it's got to right the second time for the study that's correct they're finding that there they're their. They're hinging their support on him on that statement on it seconds had statements. But the first set of statements is what really started this going and those questions were raised on Monday about what exactly was it was conveyed between the president and President Hu and what exactly is the United States doing to confront what is an ongoing serious threat that we hear from the Director of National Intelligence that's on answered and still unclear and in republic that doctors how are they push. To try to force does it white house on where they might not wanna go. Among Republicans but also among the administration fares Sanders can come out and say that the president made clear he that Putin is instead of elections but. The president himself hasn't said that there's this ongoing and it's it's been like this for awhile whether it's John Bolton and at trump contradicting him or Dan Coats. The president has one line here and one way of thinking about and the administration is kind of. Telling another line you know there's there's a little bit of a disconnect between their rhetoric and their actions we know congress. I would liken to be a little bit tougher on shoring up the election security systems let's bring in our Alley Rogen whose. I've been tracking this up on the senate Al you've been out talking a number of senate Republicans today. They're bewildered by some of the president's comments today to sincerely they're calling for some action when you hear there. Yet DeVon it's been fascinating seeing this delicate dance play out really through times in the last 24 hours just today. For the president me. Falls. Dubious statement about Russian interference in Helsinki Republicans responded that all of the arms saying he disagreed with the president they asked US intelligence. Bennett fifty this explanation which again rats on a grammatical error expected patents and OK let's move on let's forget this ever happen. And seeing it again yes now when when the president made those comments in the cabinet meeting. And then there's and it comes out and says no he wasn't actually respond to that at all. Already we're hearing from some Republicans aren't saying heat. It's fine what else do we have to worry about my calling. Aryan thing. Cleared it up ballot but we're seeing on the screen now this tweet from Lindsey Graham of course as you know they president ally president front he says. There is a big there was that he still has a big discrepancy between the president's statement and Dan Coats is Manning and and answer he sort of looking for some clarity. Yet again and again Devin that was people are. What Sarah standard that so I'm actually very curious there has now in another effort. Two hands. This interpretation of this on a grammatical. Or that miss hearing of something which again. I think it be characterized as dubious. I believe we talk to Lindsay Gramm just a few minutes ago. Probably before terrorist Anders came out and said oh no he wasn't saying that at all so again this is happening so quickly just the fact that we're referencing it we. From an hour ago that may no longer be a ball it just demonstrates. How quick thing this is happening and how. Flexible. Republicans are having to be in terms of pushing back on ground truth and and trying to you. Not disagree with the White House when they put out these explanation. And Rick Democrats seizing on this two headed into the mid terms this they're starting to sort of make this a campaign issue word where they had been sort of trying to focus on economic issues pocketbook issues stay away from Russia in the campaign you're starting to see. A number of top Democrats may use leverage here talk about not trusting Republicans and national security. Absolutely Clinton book most of a realistic to think a lot of votes are going to be decided based on the handling rush alone but if you make it more broad. About the handling of American foreign policy weakness abroad. Bending over to to Putin in this way all of that adds up into something and that's really start to see some political ramifications and that's where you have just a tough call for Republicans. Is just so remarkable eyes were about a hundred attendees it was this election. Early voting starts about two months right we're in the middle of it now and you have the director of national intelligence and they're trying to do it again. They're they're going for always wearing red lights or heard from Sarah were not an election vote but yet it seems like it seems like that's that technicality that because clearly the Russian influence campaign last time. The influencing election is not the seen as trying to hack the vote necessarily that's only a piece of it should exit to be voting. To be trying to met metal around the American election and I think half understand I don't want it right because she mention all of. I don't even need any or not. Our thanks to Alli program for that reporting but if you need any evidence that the Russians are indeed still active in this country still trying to interfere in this country just take a look. At the 29 page indictment they came down yesterday it from the Justice Department. Indicting any alleged Russian spy Russian operative Maria routine or 29 year old. Who worked for the NRA is a fascinating case. Brought by the Justice Department amidst all of this let's bring in our Jack got they are justice reporter who has been following this story issue is the suspect was in court today. Jack. Give us the significance of this case for people who haven't been following the details this is this is. A case of Russian meddling. Absolutely no. While others briefing. Eight. He's in court that. In DC. Basically charges acting as a foreign agent conspiracy to act of war it is. If it's not quite FBI is buying what he Heath acting on behalf of poor government so. We so much. He's. Literally in court today. Cover think she's. A flight risk so they want to hold out toward keeper incarcerated. And and so a particular case. The FBI had been investigating her for many many months there would keep her close either found they saw her this weekend. Going to U haul facility at the truck to move. When they arrested her on Sunday. In her apartment on these were action right eco. And they had your answer right there so she's somebody who's very much on the move she'd been girl issues somebody's. Five US person one. And in this person and he personal relationship with her long term relationship whether statement while working together she'd been in touch with Russians. One of Russian. Compatriots I mean you feud communicated with. Conveyed to compare her to the Russian spy Anna Chapman. In conversation with him. So. It's its flights have been out of movie and resist all be happening under the backdrop of all lighthouses as mundane. And and looking a lot like apparently looking like it White House staffer is well she was in this identified in some pictures recently of a war with. In the Oval Office. Which are Sanders chided the press about today but Atlanta exactly she took she relished that but Jack that's it thank you so much for Jerry answered for. You're reporting on the Abu T indicates we know much more to come there you can follow it. At abcnews.com and on the ABC news apps. I finally we end today and on a bit of a somber note guys. Over the weekend when the president was in Scotland we've learned overnight that the US Secret Service agent. Died in the line of duty the first time since 2005. No all Roman gun. Died in Scotland after suffering a stroke today Catherine the president. Taking the usual step of going to Andrews Air Force Base to see his remains return. Yeah that's you can see that that is right there that president going Andrews heat. For the dignified transfer age that you mentioned mentioned passed away yesterday after. I'm suffering a stroke and the president released the statement any set our hearts are filled with sadness over the loss of a beloved in devoted special agent caused. And pop so prominent for the Secret Service and we know via president of big advocate for law enforcement and Secret Service and our and our thoughts here at ABC here with. That agent's family that's well we have today here in the briefing room for Rick Klein Catherine callers on Devin Dwyer we hope you join us next time for the next briefing here on ABC news live with the next time.

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