Russiagate - Images

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Russia tricked Trump Jr. into supporting them

The goal of the Kussian spy game is to nudge a person to step over the line into an increasingly conspiratorial relationship. First, for a Russian intelligence recruitment operation to work, they would have had some sense that Donald Trump Jr. was a promising target. Next, as the Russians often do, they made:a “soft" approach, setting the bait for their target via the June email sent by Rob Goldstone, a British publicist, on behalf of a Russian pop star, Emin Agalarov. They then employed a cover story - adoptions - to make it believable to the outside world that there was nothing amiss with the proposed meetings. They bolstered this idea by using cutouts, nonofficial Russians, for the actual meeting, enabling the Trump team to claim - truthfully - that there were no Russian government employees at the meeting and that it was just former business contacts of the Trump empire who were present. When the Trump associates failed to do the right thing by informing the F.B.I the Russians probably understood that they could take the next step toward a more conspiratorial relationship. They knew what bait to use and had a plan to reel in the fish once it bit.

The goal of the Kussian spy game is to nudge a person to step over the line into an increasingly conspiratorial relationship. First, for a Russian intelligence recruitment operation to work, they would have had some sense that Donald Trump Jr. was a promising target. Next, as the Russians often do, they made:a “soft" approach, setting the bait for their target via the June email sent by Rob Goldstone, a British publicist, on behalf of a Russian pop star, Emin Agalarov. They then employed a cover story - adoptions - to make it believable to the outside world that there was nothing amiss with the proposed meetings. They bolstered this idea by using cutouts, nonofficial Russians, for the actual meeting, enabling the Trump team to claim - truthfully - that there were no Russian government employees at the meeting and that it was just former business contacts of the Trump empire who were present. When the Trump associates failed to do the right thing by informing the F.B.I the Russians probably understood that they could take the next step toward a more conspiratorial relationship. They knew what bait to use and had a plan to reel in the fish once it bit.

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Collusion not off the table

The overall Russian intent is clear: disruption of the United States political system and society, a goal that in the Russian view was best served by a Trump presidencv. What remains to be determined is whether the Russians also attempted to suborn members of the Trump team in an effort to gain their cooperation. This is why the investigation by the special counsel, Robert Mueller, is so important. It is why the F.B.I. counterintelligence investigation, also quietly progressing in the background, is critical. Because while a Russian disruption operation is certainly plausible, it is not inconsistent with a much darker Russian goal: gaining an insider ally at the highest levels of the United States government. In short, and regrettably, collusion is not off the table.

The overall Russian intent is clear: disruption of the United States political system and society, a goal that in the Russian view was best served by a Trump presidencv. What remains to be determined is whether the Russians also attempted to suborn members of the Trump team in an effort to gain their cooperation. This is why the investigation by the special counsel, Robert Mueller, is so important. It is why the F.B.I. counterintelligence investigation, also quietly progressing in the background, is critical. Because while a Russian disruption operation is certainly plausible, it is not inconsistent with a much darker Russian goal: gaining an insider ally at the highest levels of the United States government. In short, and regrettably, collusion is not off the table.

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Medvedev trolls Trump

Tweet Dmitry Medvedev @MedvedevRussiaE The Trump administration has shown its total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way 8/2/17, 4:38 PM 1,030 Retweets 1,185 Likes

Tweet Dmitry Medvedev @MedvedevRussiaE The Trump administration has shown its total weakness by handing over executive power to Congress in the most humiliating way 8/2/17, 4:38 PM 1,030 Retweets 1,185 Likes

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Trump screams at McMaster

But then, McMaster himself became the target of unflattering leaks. In May, Bloomberg reported that Trump had "screamed" at McMaster in a phone call and had become "disillusioned" with him, and that Flynn loyalists on the NSC perceived McMaster as trying to "trick" the president into supporting nation- building efforts. Also in May, Foreign Policy reported that "the knives are out" for McMaster over internal conflicts on Afghanistan policy, with him on one side and Bannon on the other. Foreign Policy noted that McMaster has become the target of online critics, most notably Mike Cernovich, the pro-Trump activist and blogger. Cernovich has also targeted other McMaster allies in the NSC such as Dina Powell. Cernovich has cited White House sources repeatedly in his reports, though he has told me that he doesn't know who his sources are and relies on burner phones to keep in touch with them One of the most recent McMaster-related leaks was to the AP last week; sources said McMaster had told foreign officials he disapproves of Trump's closeness with Russia. The story made West Wing senior staff "furious," according to a senior White House official, who added"if true, a man of honor would resign

But then, McMaster himself became the target of unflattering leaks. In May, Bloomberg reported that Trump had "screamed" at McMaster in a phone call and had become "disillusioned" with him, and that Flynn loyalists on the NSC perceived McMaster as trying to "trick" the president into supporting nation- building efforts. Also in May, Foreign Policy reported that "the knives are out" for McMaster over internal conflicts on Afghanistan policy, with him on one side and Bannon on the other. Foreign Policy noted that McMaster has become the target of online critics, most notably Mike Cernovich, the pro-Trump activist and blogger. Cernovich has also targeted other McMaster allies in the NSC such as Dina Powell. Cernovich has cited White House sources repeatedly in his reports, though he has told me that he doesn't know who his sources are and relies on burner phones to keep in touch with them One of the most recent McMaster-related leaks was to the AP last week; sources said McMaster had told foreign officials he disapproves of Trump's closeness with Russia. The story made West Wing senior staff "furious," according to a senior White House official, who added"if true, a man of honor would resign

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Ezra colludes with Nunes

The incident triggered a House Ethics Committee probe into Nunes and forced him to recuse himself from his own panel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. But it also prompted questions from longtime intelligence officials about how Cohen-Watnick, a 30-year- old with apparently only a single, allegedly trouble-filled, junior-level tour of duty with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Afghanistan on his résumé, managed to secure one of the most consequential jobs in the White House: coordinating all of the U.S. intelligence community's operations with the Oval Office and Congress. In less than a year, Cohen Watnick had been raised from the equivalent rank of an army captain to a three-star general

The incident triggered a House Ethics Committee probe into Nunes and forced him to recuse himself from his own panel's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. But it also prompted questions from longtime intelligence officials about how Cohen-Watnick, a 30-year- old with apparently only a single, allegedly trouble-filled, junior-level tour of duty with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Afghanistan on his résumé, managed to secure one of the most consequential jobs in the White House: coordinating all of the U.S. intelligence community's operations with the Oval Office and Congress. In less than a year, Cohen Watnick had been raised from the equivalent rank of an army captain to a three-star general

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Nunes and Watnick ran interference for Trump

The story was first reported by The New York Times, and then expanded by other outlets. On the night of March 21, House Intelligence chairman Nunes got a call from a source, jumped into another car, and didn't tell his staff where he was going. He was going, it turned out, to the White House. The next day, Nunes gave a now-infamous press conference at the Capitol in which he described how "the intelligence community incidentally collected information about U.S. citizens involved in the Trump transition." Though the phrase "incidental collection" by definition refers to the communications individuals who are not targets of surveillance, Nunes's statement was taken by Trump supporters as vindication of the president's tweet accusing Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, an incident intelligence chiefs have told Congress never happened Nunes claimed at one point that his source had been an intelligence official, not White House. Citing four U.S. officials, the Times later reported that his sources on the intelligence reports were Cohen-Watnick and Michael Ellis, a lawver in the White House Counsel's Office focused on national securitv. But the question of who cleared Nunes onto White House grounds, and why Cohen-Watnick was looking into the material, have never been fully answered. The strong implication of the stories about the incident has been that either Cohen-Watnick, Ellis, or both cleared Nunes onto the campus.

The story was first reported by The New York Times, and then expanded by other outlets. On the night of March 21, House Intelligence chairman Nunes got a call from a source, jumped into another car, and didn't tell his staff where he was going. He was going, it turned out, to the White House. The next day, Nunes gave a now-infamous press conference at the Capitol in which he described how "the intelligence community incidentally collected information about U.S. citizens involved in the Trump transition." Though the phrase "incidental collection" by definition refers to the communications individuals who are not targets of surveillance, Nunes's statement was taken by Trump supporters as vindication of the president's tweet accusing Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower, an incident intelligence chiefs have told Congress never happened Nunes claimed at one point that his source had been an intelligence official, not White House. Citing four U.S. officials, the Times later reported that his sources on the intelligence reports were Cohen-Watnick and Michael Ellis, a lawver in the White House Counsel's Office focused on national securitv. But the question of who cleared Nunes onto White House grounds, and why Cohen-Watnick was looking into the material, have never been fully answered. The strong implication of the stories about the incident has been that either Cohen-Watnick, Ellis, or both cleared Nunes onto the campus.

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E.C. Watnick's collusion with Nunes

Cohen-Watnick's moment of prominence came in late March, when he was exposed as a channel for information used by the House intelligence committee chairman, Devin Nunes, another Flynn ally, to distract from an investigation into Russia's connections with Trump affiliates. A key figure in that investigation is Flynn, who received tens of thousands of dollars for a speech in Moscow from RT, a news channel the CIA considers an adjunct of official Russian propaganda Reportedly, Cohen-Watnick provided Nunes with documents purporting to show improper surveillance on Trump's allies, an allegation Nunes made while obscuring that the narrative, politically convenient for the White House, emerged from the White House itself. Nunes later reluctantly recused himself when the revelation of White House involvement sparked a political outcry. Subsequently, both Democrats and Republicans who viewed the documents considered them anodyne, a far cry from Nunes and Trump's portrayals.

Cohen-Watnick's moment of prominence came in late March, when he was exposed as a channel for information used by the House intelligence committee chairman, Devin Nunes, another Flynn ally, to distract from an investigation into Russia's connections with Trump affiliates. A key figure in that investigation is Flynn, who received tens of thousands of dollars for a speech in Moscow from RT, a news channel the CIA considers an adjunct of official Russian propaganda Reportedly, Cohen-Watnick provided Nunes with documents purporting to show improper surveillance on Trump's allies, an allegation Nunes made while obscuring that the narrative, politically convenient for the White House, emerged from the White House itself. Nunes later reluctantly recused himself when the revelation of White House involvement sparked a political outcry. Subsequently, both Democrats and Republicans who viewed the documents considered them anodyne, a far cry from Nunes and Trump's portrayals.

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H.R. McMaster fires Ezra-Cohen Watnick

Statement from a White House official: "General McMaster appreciates the good work accomplished in the NSC's Intelligence directorate under Ezra Cohen's leadership. He has determined that, at this time, a different set of experiences is best-suited to carrying that work forward. General McMaster is confident that Ezra will make many further significant contributions to national security in another position in the administration."

Statement from a White House official: "General McMaster appreciates the good work accomplished in the NSC's Intelligence directorate under Ezra Cohen's leadership. He has determined that, at this time, a different set of experiences is best-suited to carrying that work forward. General McMaster is confident that Ezra will make many further significant contributions to national security in another position in the administration."

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Tillerson refusing to fight against propaganda

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly $80 million allocated by Congress for fighting terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation. It is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon Another 19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson's aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against A adversaries. NAHAL TOOSI POLITICO.COM-AUGUST 2, 2017

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly $80 million allocated by Congress for fighting terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation. It is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon Another 19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson's aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against A adversaries. NAHAL TOOSI POLITICO.COM-AUGUST 2, 2017

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Russo-American Oligarchy

The plan - Bastardize America by merging Russian oligarchs with US corporate barons under a more fascistic, theocrat friendly style of governance. https:l/www.economist.com/blogs/ erasmus/2017/07/praying-together-staying-together @PuestoLoco

The plan - Bastardize America by merging Russian oligarchs with US corporate barons under a more fascistic, theocrat friendly style of governance. https:l/www.economist.com/blogs/ erasmus/2017/07/praying-together-staying-together @PuestoLoco

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Trump's Signature Statement ver. 2

Further, certain provisions, such as sections 254 and 257, purport to direct my subordinates in the executive branch to undertake certain diplomatic initiatives, in contravention of the President's exclusive constitutional authority to determine the time, scope, and objectives of international negotiations. And other provisions, such as sections 104, 107, 222, 224, 227, 228, and 234, would require me to deny certain individuals entry into the United States, without an exception for the President's responsibility toreceive ambassadors under ArticleII, section3 of the Constitution. My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions and will implement them ina manner consistent with the President's constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations. STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today, I have signed into law H.R. 3364, the "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act." While I favor tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing behavior by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions. For instance, although I share the policy views of sections 253 and 257, those pro the President's exclusive constitutional authority to recognize foreign governments, including their territorial bounds, in conflict with the Supreme Court's recent decision in "Zivotofsky v. Kerry" visions purport to displace Finally, my Administration particularly expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed bill to hinder our important work with Europear allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends, or our allies Additionally, section 216 seeks to grant the Congress the ability to change the law outside the constitutionally required process. The bill prescribes a review period that precludes the President from taking certain actions Certain provisions in section 216, however, conflict with the Supreme Court's decision in "INS v. Chadha", because they purport to allow the Congress to extend the review period through procedures that do not satisfy the requirements for changing the law under Article I, section 7 of the Constitution. I nevertheless expect to honor the bill's extended waiting periods to ensure that the Congress will have afull opportunity to avail itself of the bill's review procedures DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE August 2, 2017

Further, certain provisions, such as sections 254 and 257, purport to direct my subordinates in the executive branch to undertake certain diplomatic initiatives, in contravention of the President's exclusive constitutional authority to determine the time, scope, and objectives of international negotiations. And other provisions, such as sections 104, 107, 222, 224, 227, 228, and 234, would require me to deny certain individuals entry into the United States, without an exception for the President's responsibility toreceive ambassadors under ArticleII, section3 of the Constitution. My Administration will give careful and respectful consideration to the preferences expressed by the Congress in these various provisions and will implement them ina manner consistent with the President's constitutional authority to conduct foreign relations. STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT Today, I have signed into law H.R. 3364, the "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act." While I favor tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing behavior by Iran, North Korea, and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions. For instance, although I share the policy views of sections 253 and 257, those pro the President's exclusive constitutional authority to recognize foreign governments, including their territorial bounds, in conflict with the Supreme Court's recent decision in "Zivotofsky v. Kerry" visions purport to displace Finally, my Administration particularly expects the Congress to refrain from using this flawed bill to hinder our important work with Europear allies to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and from using it to hinder our efforts to address any unintended consequences it may have for American businesses, our friends, or our allies Additionally, section 216 seeks to grant the Congress the ability to change the law outside the constitutionally required process. The bill prescribes a review period that precludes the President from taking certain actions Certain provisions in section 216, however, conflict with the Supreme Court's decision in "INS v. Chadha", because they purport to allow the Congress to extend the review period through procedures that do not satisfy the requirements for changing the law under Article I, section 7 of the Constitution. I nevertheless expect to honor the bill's extended waiting periods to ensure that the Congress will have afull opportunity to avail itself of the bill's review procedures DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE August 2, 2017

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Trump's Signature Statement ver. 1

Still, the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Today, I signed into law the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which enacts new sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. I favor tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that Executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization and North Korea much closer together. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. That is why, since taking office, I have enacted tough new sanctions on Iran and North Korea, and shored up existing sanctions on Russia. Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary Further, the bill sends a clear message to Iran and North Korea that the American people will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior. America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries malignant activities My Administration has attempted to work with Congress to make this bill better. We have made progress and improved the language to give the Treasury Department greater flexibility in granting routine licenses to American businesses, people, and companies. The improved language also reflects feedback from our European allies who have been steadfast partners on Russia sanctions regarding the energy sanctions provided for in the legislation. The new language also ensures our agencies can delay sanctions on the intelligence and defense sectors, because those sanctions could negatively affect American companies and those of our allies I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress

Still, the bill remains seriously flawed particularly because it encroaches on the executive branchs authority to negotiate. Congress could not even negotiate a healthcare bill after seven years of talking. By limiting the Today, I signed into law the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which enacts new sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. I favor tough measures to punish and deter bad behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran and Pyongyang. I also support making clear that Executives flexibility, this bill makes it harder for the United States to America will not tolerate interference in our democratic process, and that strike good deals for the American people, and will drive China, Russia we will side with our allies and friends against Russian subversion and destabilization and North Korea much closer together. The Framers of our Constitution put foreign affairs in the hands of the President. This bill will prove the wisdom of that choice. That is why, since taking office, I have enacted tough new sanctions on Iran and North Korea, and shored up existing sanctions on Russia. Since this bill was first introduced, I have expressed my concerns to Congress about the many ways it improperly encroaches on Executive power, disadvantages American companies, and hurts the interests of our European allies Yet despite its problems, I am signing this bill for the sake of national unity. It represents the will of the American people to see Russia take steps to improve relations with the United States. We hope there will be cooperation between our two countries on major global issues so that these sanctions will no longer be necessary Further, the bill sends a clear message to Iran and North Korea that the American people will not tolerate their dangerous and destabilizing behavior. America will continue to work closely with our friends and allies to check those countries malignant activities My Administration has attempted to work with Congress to make this bill better. We have made progress and improved the language to give the Treasury Department greater flexibility in granting routine licenses to American businesses, people, and companies. The improved language also reflects feedback from our European allies who have been steadfast partners on Russia sanctions regarding the energy sanctions provided for in the legislation. The new language also ensures our agencies can delay sanctions on the intelligence and defense sectors, because those sanctions could negatively affect American companies and those of our allies I built a truly great company worth many billions of dollars. That is a big part of the reason I was elected. As President, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress

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Some of the changes in Trump's Signature Statement

Today, I signed into law H.R.3364, the "Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act", whieh-enaets newsanetions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. While I favor tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing bad-behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran-and Pyongyang Iran, North Korea and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed-Halsθ support making lear that Amer ea will not tolerate interference₩ ₩r demoeratie proeess, and that we willside with our allies and friends-against Russian subversion and destabilization

Today, I signed into law H.R.3364, the "Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act", whieh-enaets newsanetions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. While I favor tough measures to punish and deter aggressive and destabilizing bad-behavior by the rogue regimes in Tehran-and Pyongyang Iran, North Korea and Russia, this legislation is significantly flawed-Halsθ support making lear that Amer ea will not tolerate interference₩ ₩r demoeratie proeess, and that we willside with our allies and friends-against Russian subversion and destabilization

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Rex Tillerson refusing money to counter propaganda

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly $80 million allocated by Congress for fighting terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation. It is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon. Another $19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson's aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against America's adversaries The $60 million will expire on Sept. 30 if not transferred to State by then, current and former State Department officials told POLITICO The struggle over the money is a case study in Tillerson s approach to managing the State Department and the frustration it is engendering among American diplomats. Current and former U.S. officials call it the latest example of a severe slowdown in department decision-making; of Tillerson's reliance on a coterie of political aides who distrust State's career staffers; and a casualty of President Donald Trump's intention to slash State's budget, which has Tillerson looking for ways to reshape the department and spend less money, not more. Sources cited another sensitive factor at play: Russia. One Tillerson aide, R.C. Hammond, suggested the money is unwelcome because any extra funding for programs to counter Russian media influence would anger Moscow, according to a former senior State Department official

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly $80 million allocated by Congress for fighting terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation. It is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon. Another $19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson's aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against America's adversaries The $60 million will expire on Sept. 30 if not transferred to State by then, current and former State Department officials told POLITICO The struggle over the money is a case study in Tillerson s approach to managing the State Department and the frustration it is engendering among American diplomats. Current and former U.S. officials call it the latest example of a severe slowdown in department decision-making; of Tillerson's reliance on a coterie of political aides who distrust State's career staffers; and a casualty of President Donald Trump's intention to slash State's budget, which has Tillerson looking for ways to reshape the department and spend less money, not more. Sources cited another sensitive factor at play: Russia. One Tillerson aide, R.C. Hammond, suggested the money is unwelcome because any extra funding for programs to counter Russian media influence would anger Moscow, according to a former senior State Department official

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Rex refuses to fund countering Russian, ISIS propaganda

POLITICO 8/2/2017 Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly FOREIGN POLICY ns ö0 millon to$80 million allocated by Congress for fighting counter ISIS, Russian propaganda terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation The secretary of state won't tapIt is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon. Another $19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson's aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against America's adversaries funding approved by Congress, angering officials. Aide, R.C. Hammond, suggested the money is unwelcome because any extra funding for programs to counter Russian media influence would anger Moscow

POLITICO 8/2/2017 Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is resisting the pleas of State Department officials to spend nearly FOREIGN POLICY ns ö0 millon to$80 million allocated by Congress for fighting counter ISIS, Russian propaganda terrorist propaganda and Russian disinformation The secretary of state won't tapIt is highly unusual for a Cabinet secretary to turn down money for his department. But more than five months into his tenure, Tillerson has not issued a simple request for the money earmarked for the State Department's Global Engagement Center, $60 million of which is now parked at the Pentagon. Another $19.8 million sits untouched at the State Department as Tillerson's aides reject calls from career diplomats and members of Congress to put the money to work against America's adversaries funding approved by Congress, angering officials. Aide, R.C. Hammond, suggested the money is unwelcome because any extra funding for programs to counter Russian media influence would anger Moscow

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The President is promoting active measures

The readout of Trump's lengthy meeting with Putin included several key points. First, the United States will “move on" from election hacking issues with no accountability or consequences for Russia, in fact, the U.S. will form a "framework" with Russia to cooperate on cybersecurity issues, evaluating weaknesses and assessing potential responses jointly. Second, the two presidents agreed not to meddle in "each other's" domestic affairs-equating American activities to promote democracy with Russian aggression aimed at undermining it, in an incalculable PR victory for the Kremlin. Third, the announced, limited cease-fire in Syria will be a new basis for cooperation between the U.S. and Russia; Secretary of State Rex Tillerson went so far as to say that the Russian approach in Syria-yielding mass civilian casualties, catastrophic displacement, untold destruction and erased borders-may be "more right" than that of the United States.

The readout of Trump's lengthy meeting with Putin included several key points. First, the United States will “move on" from election hacking issues with no accountability or consequences for Russia, in fact, the U.S. will form a "framework" with Russia to cooperate on cybersecurity issues, evaluating weaknesses and assessing potential responses jointly. Second, the two presidents agreed not to meddle in "each other's" domestic affairs-equating American activities to promote democracy with Russian aggression aimed at undermining it, in an incalculable PR victory for the Kremlin. Third, the announced, limited cease-fire in Syria will be a new basis for cooperation between the U.S. and Russia; Secretary of State Rex Tillerson went so far as to say that the Russian approach in Syria-yielding mass civilian casualties, catastrophic displacement, untold destruction and erased borders-may be "more right" than that of the United States.

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