CIA and FBI chiefs have information that alleges Russian intelligence operatives gained “compromising personal and financial information” on President-elect Donald Trump at some point throughout the 2016 US election campaign, according to a report from CNN. The documents, apparently gathered by a shadowy former British spook, shows that Russia’s hacks into the election ranged further than just the attacks on the Democratic party and that the long-time US rival may have the ability to undermine or influence the incoming US President.
CNN reports that the information was presented in a two-page addendum to the inter-agency report on Russian digital interference in the 2016 US Presidential election collated by the NSA, DNI, CIA and FBI — America’s top four intelligence agencies — that was delivered to both the outgoing Obama administration and the incoming Trump one.
The information, if it is accurate, shows that Russian hacks and intelligence operations have information on Trump that may impact his ability to function without fear or influence in his role as President. Trump has already been criticised repeatedly by his opponents in the lead-up and aftermath of the election for his close links and uncharacteristically close relationship both with Russia and directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
CNN says that the report makes claims that compromising information on both Hillary Clinton and the Democratic party and Trump and the Republican party was captured by Russian intelligence, but was only released to damage Democratic interests throughout the campaign. Trump’s presidential transition team, CNN says, repeatedly refused to comment on the matter. [CNN]