This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/14/us/politics/trump-obama.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Changing Subject Amid a Pandemic, Trump Turns to an Old Ploy: Blame Obama Changing Subject Amid a Pandemic, Trump Turns to an Old Ploy: Blame Obama
(about 1 hour later)
WASHINGTON — President Trump has embarked on an aggressive new drive to rewrite the narrative of the Russia investigation by making dark and unsubstantiated accusations that former President Barack Obama masterminded a sinister plot to bring him down.WASHINGTON — President Trump has embarked on an aggressive new drive to rewrite the narrative of the Russia investigation by making dark and unsubstantiated accusations that former President Barack Obama masterminded a sinister plot to bring him down.
On Twitter, on television, in the Rose Garden and even on an official White House social media page, Mr. Trump in recent days has taken aim at his most recent predecessor in a way that no sitting president has in modern times, accusing Mr. Obama of undefined and unspecified crimes under the vague but politically charged catchphrase “Obamagate.”On Twitter, on television, in the Rose Garden and even on an official White House social media page, Mr. Trump in recent days has taken aim at his most recent predecessor in a way that no sitting president has in modern times, accusing Mr. Obama of undefined and unspecified crimes under the vague but politically charged catchphrase “Obamagate.”
The president went even further on Thursday by demanding that Mr. Obama be hauled before the Senate “to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA,” a scenario that itself has no precise precedent in American history. Within hours, Mr. Trump’s most faithful Republican ally in the Senate promptly announced that he would indeed investigate, although he would probably not summon Mr. Obama.The president went even further on Thursday by demanding that Mr. Obama be hauled before the Senate “to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA,” a scenario that itself has no precise precedent in American history. Within hours, Mr. Trump’s most faithful Republican ally in the Senate promptly announced that he would indeed investigate, although he would probably not summon Mr. Obama.
In flinging incendiary charges at his predecessor, Mr. Trump has offered no evidence and has not even specified what “crime” he was accusing the former president of committing. Instead, Mr. Trump seemed to be tying the investigation by the special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, which has enraged him for years, back to Mr. Obama while hinting ominously at forthcoming revelations that will bolster his claims.In flinging incendiary charges at his predecessor, Mr. Trump has offered no evidence and has not even specified what “crime” he was accusing the former president of committing. Instead, Mr. Trump seemed to be tying the investigation by the special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, which has enraged him for years, back to Mr. Obama while hinting ominously at forthcoming revelations that will bolster his claims.
The new focus on the former president comes as Mr. Trump appeared eager to change the subject amid the deadliest public health crisis to confront the United States in a half-century. On a day when the death toll in the United States topped 85,000 and the government reported nearly three million more people filing for unemployment, Mr. Trump spent part of his morning attacking Mr. Obama.The new focus on the former president comes as Mr. Trump appeared eager to change the subject amid the deadliest public health crisis to confront the United States in a half-century. On a day when the death toll in the United States topped 85,000 and the government reported nearly three million more people filing for unemployment, Mr. Trump spent part of his morning attacking Mr. Obama.
In addition to diverting attention from the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Trump’s focus on Mr. Obama allows him to try to turn the tables on his accusers by making them out to be the ones who are corrupt while simultaneously putting his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., on the defensive.In addition to diverting attention from the coronavirus pandemic, Mr. Trump’s focus on Mr. Obama allows him to try to turn the tables on his accusers by making them out to be the ones who are corrupt while simultaneously putting his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., on the defensive.
“This was all Obama, this was all Biden,” Mr. Trump said in an interview on Fox Business Network that aired on Thursday. “These people were corrupt, the whole thing was corrupt, and we caught them. We caught them.”“This was all Obama, this was all Biden,” Mr. Trump said in an interview on Fox Business Network that aired on Thursday. “These people were corrupt, the whole thing was corrupt, and we caught them. We caught them.”
When the host Maria Bartiromo asked if he believed that Mr. Obama directed American intelligence agencies to spy on him, Mr. Trump agreed, without evidence.When the host Maria Bartiromo asked if he believed that Mr. Obama directed American intelligence agencies to spy on him, Mr. Trump agreed, without evidence.
“Yes, he probably directed them,” Mr. Trump said. “But if he didn’t direct them, he knew everything — and you’ll see that,” he went on, adding that documents would be released soon to bolster his charges.“Yes, he probably directed them,” Mr. Trump said. “But if he didn’t direct them, he knew everything — and you’ll see that,” he went on, adding that documents would be released soon to bolster his charges.
Mr. Obama, whose advisers have dismissed Mr. Trump’s comments as the ludicrous ranting of a president in trouble, issued what amounted to his own one-word rejoinder hours later on Twitter: “Vote,” he wrote.Mr. Obama, whose advisers have dismissed Mr. Trump’s comments as the ludicrous ranting of a president in trouble, issued what amounted to his own one-word rejoinder hours later on Twitter: “Vote,” he wrote.
No evidence has emerged that before the November 2016 election Mr. Obama was involved in the F.B.I. investigation into Mr. Trump’s advisers and any ties to Russian campaign interference, much less that he directed it, although its existence had been reported in the news media. Mr. Obama was told in January 2017 about telephone calls between Mr. Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, and Russia’s ambassador discussing sanctions that the outgoing president had just imposed on Moscow in response to its attempted election sabotage.No evidence has emerged that before the November 2016 election Mr. Obama was involved in the F.B.I. investigation into Mr. Trump’s advisers and any ties to Russian campaign interference, much less that he directed it, although its existence had been reported in the news media. Mr. Obama was told in January 2017 about telephone calls between Mr. Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, and Russia’s ambassador discussing sanctions that the outgoing president had just imposed on Moscow in response to its attempted election sabotage.
Documents released by Mr. Trump’s allies this week show that several Obama administration officials, including Mr. Biden, requested the identity of the American who was originally unnamed in intelligence reports about contacts with Russia, an American who turned out to be Mr. Flynn. Such “unmasking” requests are made thousands of times a year and, according to the documents, these were approved under normal procedures and the recipients were authorized to receive the information.Documents released by Mr. Trump’s allies this week show that several Obama administration officials, including Mr. Biden, requested the identity of the American who was originally unnamed in intelligence reports about contacts with Russia, an American who turned out to be Mr. Flynn. Such “unmasking” requests are made thousands of times a year and, according to the documents, these were approved under normal procedures and the recipients were authorized to receive the information.
But Mr. Trump’s allies suggest the requests indicated that Mr. Obama’s aides must have been involved in trying to “set up” Mr. Flynn, who was interviewed by F.B.I. agents after Mr. Obama left office and eventually pleaded guilty to lying to them. Attorney General William P. Barr last week moved to throw the case out, concluding that the F.B.I. had no basis to interview Mr. Flynn, a decision that Mr. Obama later said undermined the rule of law.But Mr. Trump’s allies suggest the requests indicated that Mr. Obama’s aides must have been involved in trying to “set up” Mr. Flynn, who was interviewed by F.B.I. agents after Mr. Obama left office and eventually pleaded guilty to lying to them. Attorney General William P. Barr last week moved to throw the case out, concluding that the F.B.I. had no basis to interview Mr. Flynn, a decision that Mr. Obama later said undermined the rule of law.
Mr. Trump’s attacks have been amplified by Fox News, other conservative media and his re-election apparatus. He has even used his government platform to advance the charges, posting a campaign-style “Obamagate” video on the official White House Facebook page, an overtly partisan message that would have been seen as crossing a line in past administrations.Mr. Trump’s attacks have been amplified by Fox News, other conservative media and his re-election apparatus. He has even used his government platform to advance the charges, posting a campaign-style “Obamagate” video on the official White House Facebook page, an overtly partisan message that would have been seen as crossing a line in past administrations.
Mr. Trump has often aired grievances against political opponents with sensational but unspecific accusations, leaving advisers to follow and try to fill in the lines. In this case, Mr. Trump hopes enough information will be released by his intelligence appointees to muddy the waters and lend a patina of confusion about what Mr. Obama may have done, according to people familiar with his thinking.Mr. Trump has often aired grievances against political opponents with sensational but unspecific accusations, leaving advisers to follow and try to fill in the lines. In this case, Mr. Trump hopes enough information will be released by his intelligence appointees to muddy the waters and lend a patina of confusion about what Mr. Obama may have done, according to people familiar with his thinking.
Other presidents have feuded with predecessors over policy or politics, even publicly quarreling at times. But putting aside Richard M. Nixon and Watergate, no sitting president in modern times has explicitly and aggressively accused a former president of criminality.Other presidents have feuded with predecessors over policy or politics, even publicly quarreling at times. But putting aside Richard M. Nixon and Watergate, no sitting president in modern times has explicitly and aggressively accused a former president of criminality.
“What makes Trump’s attacks so egregious in contrast to his predecessors is how he simply concocts scandals out of thin air, cooking up conspiracies that have no relation to historical fact,” said Matthew Dallek, a presidential historian at George Washington University.“What makes Trump’s attacks so egregious in contrast to his predecessors is how he simply concocts scandals out of thin air, cooking up conspiracies that have no relation to historical fact,” said Matthew Dallek, a presidential historian at George Washington University.
Mr. Trump has long harbored a personal animus toward Mr. Obama. Mr. Trump spent much of Mr. Obama’s presidency championing the racist and false “birther” conspiracy theory that Mr. Obama was born in Africa. Mr. Obama reciprocated by mocking Mr. Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in 2011 as the reality show host sat nearby seething.Mr. Trump has long harbored a personal animus toward Mr. Obama. Mr. Trump spent much of Mr. Obama’s presidency championing the racist and false “birther” conspiracy theory that Mr. Obama was born in Africa. Mr. Obama reciprocated by mocking Mr. Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in 2011 as the reality show host sat nearby seething.
Mr. Trump turned back to Mr. Obama in March 2017, two days after Jeff Sessions, then the attorney general, recused himself from the investigation into Russian election interference, a move that infuriated the president and led to the appointment of Mr. Mueller.Mr. Trump turned back to Mr. Obama in March 2017, two days after Jeff Sessions, then the attorney general, recused himself from the investigation into Russian election interference, a move that infuriated the president and led to the appointment of Mr. Mueller.
As Mr. Trump stewed at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida club, an aide showed him a story from the conservative website Breitbart quoting the radio host Mark Levin accusing Mr. Obama of “police state” tactics. The president took to Twitter to assert that Mr. Obama “had my ‘wires tapped,’” a claim that Mr. Trump’s own Justice Department later debunked.As Mr. Trump stewed at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida club, an aide showed him a story from the conservative website Breitbart quoting the radio host Mark Levin accusing Mr. Obama of “police state” tactics. The president took to Twitter to assert that Mr. Obama “had my ‘wires tapped,’” a claim that Mr. Trump’s own Justice Department later debunked.
The president lashed out again last weekend after news reports about Mr. Obama’s criticism of Mr. Barr’s decision to negate Mr. Flynn’s guilty plea.The president lashed out again last weekend after news reports about Mr. Obama’s criticism of Mr. Barr’s decision to negate Mr. Flynn’s guilty plea.
Mr. Trump began using the term “Obamagate” on Sunday but refused to explain what specific crime he was alleging when asked the next day by a Washington Post reporter. “You know what the crime is,” the president said testily. “The crime is very obvious to everybody. All you have to do is read the newspapers, except yours.”Mr. Trump began using the term “Obamagate” on Sunday but refused to explain what specific crime he was alleging when asked the next day by a Washington Post reporter. “You know what the crime is,” the president said testily. “The crime is very obvious to everybody. All you have to do is read the newspapers, except yours.”
He still has not explained, but on Thursday morning, he prodded Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, into opening an investigation.He still has not explained, but on Thursday morning, he prodded Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, into opening an investigation.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “He knew EVERYTHING. Do it @LindseyGrahamSC, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk!”“If I were a Senator or Congressman, the first person I would call to testify about the biggest political crime and scandal in the history of the USA, by FAR, is former President Obama,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “He knew EVERYTHING. Do it @LindseyGrahamSC, just do it. No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more talk!”
Less than two hours later, Mr. Graham announced hearings into the Flynn case and other matters, including whether Mr. Mueller should have been appointed in the first place. Mr. Mueller’s investigation concluded that Russia mounted a major operation to tilt the 2016 election to Mr. Trump and that there were multiple contacts with Mr. Trump’s associates, but it did not find enough evidence to charge a criminal conspiracy.Less than two hours later, Mr. Graham announced hearings into the Flynn case and other matters, including whether Mr. Mueller should have been appointed in the first place. Mr. Mueller’s investigation concluded that Russia mounted a major operation to tilt the 2016 election to Mr. Trump and that there were multiple contacts with Mr. Trump’s associates, but it did not find enough evidence to charge a criminal conspiracy.
“To say we are living in unusual times is an understatement,” Mr. Graham said in a statement. “We have the sitting president (Trump) accusing the former president (Obama) of being part of a treasonous conspiracy to undermine his presidency. We have the former president suggesting the current president is destroying the rule of law by dismissing the General Flynn case.”“To say we are living in unusual times is an understatement,” Mr. Graham said in a statement. “We have the sitting president (Trump) accusing the former president (Obama) of being part of a treasonous conspiracy to undermine his presidency. We have the former president suggesting the current president is destroying the rule of law by dismissing the General Flynn case.”
Still, Mr. Graham threw cold water on the idea of calling Mr. Obama. “Both presidents,” he added, “are welcome to come before the committee and share their concerns about each other. If nothing else it would make for great television. However, I have great doubts about whether it would be wise for the country.”Still, Mr. Graham threw cold water on the idea of calling Mr. Obama. “Both presidents,” he added, “are welcome to come before the committee and share their concerns about each other. If nothing else it would make for great television. However, I have great doubts about whether it would be wise for the country.”
The F.B.I. opened its investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign in July 2016 not long after WikiLeaks released thousands of internal Democratic Party emails that intelligence officials believed had been hacked by Russian intelligence operatives. The investigation, code named Crossfire Hurricane, was handled by a small group of law enforcement and intelligence officials, who did not brief White House officials about the inquiry, according to accounts that have emerged since.The F.B.I. opened its investigation into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign in July 2016 not long after WikiLeaks released thousands of internal Democratic Party emails that intelligence officials believed had been hacked by Russian intelligence operatives. The investigation, code named Crossfire Hurricane, was handled by a small group of law enforcement and intelligence officials, who did not brief White House officials about the inquiry, according to accounts that have emerged since.
When Mr. Obama and Mr. Trump met in person two days after the November election, Mr. Obama warned him about Mr. Flynn, who had served as the Defense Intelligence Agency director during the Obama administration. Former officials said that the warning concerned Mr. Flynn’s job performance and penchant for conspiracy theories, not any government investigation.When Mr. Obama and Mr. Trump met in person two days after the November election, Mr. Obama warned him about Mr. Flynn, who had served as the Defense Intelligence Agency director during the Obama administration. Former officials said that the warning concerned Mr. Flynn’s job performance and penchant for conspiracy theories, not any government investigation.
Mr. Obama learned about communications between Mr. Flynn and Russian officials in January 2017 after pressing intelligence and law enforcement officials to review and sum up information about Russia’s election interference.Mr. Obama learned about communications between Mr. Flynn and Russian officials in January 2017 after pressing intelligence and law enforcement officials to review and sum up information about Russia’s election interference.
During a search, intelligence officials came across records of the phone calls between Mr. Flynn and the ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, that had been intercepted as part of the intelligence agencies’ regular surveillance of Russian officials. In one of the calls, Mr. Flynn had urged Russia not to retaliate for the sanctions as a new, outwardly friendlier administration prepared to assume office.During a search, intelligence officials came across records of the phone calls between Mr. Flynn and the ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, that had been intercepted as part of the intelligence agencies’ regular surveillance of Russian officials. In one of the calls, Mr. Flynn had urged Russia not to retaliate for the sanctions as a new, outwardly friendlier administration prepared to assume office.
During a Jan. 5 conversation in the Oval Office that included Mr. Biden; James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director; Sally Yates, the deputy attorney general; and Susan Rice, the national security adviser, Mr. Obama said any law enforcement issues should be handled “by the book,” but he wanted to know as a matter of counterintelligence policy whether he should share sensitive information on Russia with the incoming Trump team, according to a memo by Ms. Rice. During the meeting, he told Ms. Yates that he “did not want any additional information on the matter” regarding law enforcement, according to a recently disclosed F.B.I. summary of an interview with Ms. Yates.During a Jan. 5 conversation in the Oval Office that included Mr. Biden; James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director; Sally Yates, the deputy attorney general; and Susan Rice, the national security adviser, Mr. Obama said any law enforcement issues should be handled “by the book,” but he wanted to know as a matter of counterintelligence policy whether he should share sensitive information on Russia with the incoming Trump team, according to a memo by Ms. Rice. During the meeting, he told Ms. Yates that he “did not want any additional information on the matter” regarding law enforcement, according to a recently disclosed F.B.I. summary of an interview with Ms. Yates.
Four days after Mr. Obama left office, Mr. Comey sent F.B.I. agents to interview Mr. Flynn about the calls with Mr. Kislyak. Mr. Flynn’s answers led to him being charged with lying to investigators, which he pleaded guilty to. He later tried to change his plea and Mr. Barr concurred. An apparently skeptical judge will decide whether to allow it.Four days after Mr. Obama left office, Mr. Comey sent F.B.I. agents to interview Mr. Flynn about the calls with Mr. Kislyak. Mr. Flynn’s answers led to him being charged with lying to investigators, which he pleaded guilty to. He later tried to change his plea and Mr. Barr concurred. An apparently skeptical judge will decide whether to allow it.
Maggie Haberman contributed reporting from New York, and Mark Mazzetti and Adam Goldman from Washington.Maggie Haberman contributed reporting from New York, and Mark Mazzetti and Adam Goldman from Washington.