Politics

Trump: Why Did Obama Do Nothing About Russian Meddling?

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Saagar Enjeti White House Correspondent
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President Donald Trump questioned on Monday why his predecessor did not act more forcefully to deter Russian attempts to meddle in the 2016 presidential election.

The president is reacting to a Friday indictment of Russian nationals by special counsel Robert Mueller showing a widespread campaign to influence the 2016 election. The indictment revealed the Russian efforts to use social media to sow discord amongst the U.S. populace began as early as 2014, before Trump was even a candidate.

Trump appears to be frustrated by widespread media coverage of the indictments and criticism of his administration for not forcefully implementing sanctions on the Russian government.

Trump’s question of why the Obama administration did not more forceful action against Russia is one many alumni of the previous administration have posed to themselves. “I feel like we sort of choked,” a former official told The Washington Post in June 2017.

The president tweeted earlier in the day a wish for Americans to enjoy the Presidents Day holiday but urged them to be “reflective.” His next tweet appears to show what he personally has been reflecting on.

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