White House press secretary Sarah Sanders bluntly explained Tuesday why congressional Democrats were not invited to a top secret meeting about the Russia investigation.
In a tense exchange, Sanders forcefully told New York Times reporter Michael Shear that Democrats would not be “randomly invited” to a meeting they did not ask to be at. “I would refer you back to [Democrats] on why they would consider themselves randomly invited to see something they have never asked to,” she said.
Sanders was describing a meeting being set up for congressional and intelligence leaders to review top secret documents pertaining to the Russia investigation.
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“Can you say what specific documents the lawmakers will see? The chairman has requested all documents. Will he see them?” The Hill’s Jordan Fabian asked Sanders.
“That’s something that you have to ask the Department of Justice,” Sanders said. (RELATED: Devin Nunes: If DOJ Has Nothing To Hide, ‘Show Us The Documents’)
Shear asked a follow up, asking “why no Democrats would be at that meeting if the White House is putting it together?”
“The Democrats say it’s inappropriate to have a meeting set up with just Republicans and the Justice Department,” he complained, “Would the white House welcome Democrats to be there?”
“My understanding isn’t they haven’t been the one requesting the information,” Sanders said.
When the reporter asked if the White House is “brokering a deal” between the Justice Department and GOP congressional leaders, Sarah snapped.
“To my knowledge, the Democrats have not requested that information. So I would refer you back to them on why they would consider themselves randomly invited to see something they have never asked to.”