Former CIA Director John Brennan

Former CIA Director John Brennan appeared on Tuesday before the House Intelligence Committee. The Committee, less Denin Nunes after he recused himself, questioned Brennan over his knowledge of Russian intelligence, their interest in Donald Trump, and whether or not collusion between Trump and Russia is a real thing.

Brennan indicated that Russia not only "brazenly interfered" in the election but acted to hurt Hillary Clinton because they blamed her for encouraging dissidents inside Russia, but they also wanted Trump because of his “outsider status” and success they had previously with businessmen taking government positions. At several points, Brennan testified that the CIA became aware of “interactions between US persons and the Russians.”

It was clear from Brennan’s testimony that the Trump campaign was in communication with the Russians and that communication involved more than one person. He also indicated that there was sufficient information that the CIA had forwarded information to the FBI and supported the investigation. Asked specifically about whether it there was evidence of collusion, Brennan left indications that such evidence may have already been collected. And once again, Republicans who were convinced that there is nothing to this scandal, got answers they didn’t want.

Gowdy: Did you see evidence of collusion, coordination, conspiracy between Donald Trump and Russian state actors? Brennan: I saw information, intelligence that was worthy of investigation by the bureau to determine whether or not such cooperation or collusion was taking place.