Top US intelligence official: Russia meddled in 2016 election through hacking and spreading of propaganda

The country’s top intelligence official said that Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign consisted of hacking, as well as the spreading of traditional propaganda and “fake news.” “Whatever crack, fissure, they could find in our tapestry . . . they would exploit it,” said Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr., testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee on foreign cyber threats, and especially Russian hacking and interference in the campaign.

The hearing came as President-elect Donald Trump has loudly and repeatedly voiced skepticism that the Kremlin was orchestrating the effort, directly clashing with the view of the US intelligence community and the committee’s chairman, Sen John McCain (R-AZ). Every American “should be alarmed by Russia’s attacks on our nation,” Sen McCain said at the opening of the packed hearing. “There is no national security interest more vital to the United States of America than the ability to hold free and fair elections without foreign interference,” he said. Sen Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC) asked Director Clapper if he was ready to be challenged by President-elect Trump, and Director Clapper said he is. Sen Graham also advised Trump, “Mr. President-elect, when you listen to these people, you can be skeptical, but understand they’re the best among us and they’re trying to protect us.”