Trump: Release of fake news by US intel agencies is a 'disgrace'

DEBKAfile was founded by a team of journalists in June 2000 as an independent Internet Web site, providing an intelligence and security news service. January 11, 2017, 7:31 PM (IDT)

US President-elect Donald Trump called “disgraceful” the release of “false and fake” information from a closed intelligence briefing regarding his alleged connection with the Russian government. Trump was answering questions at his first press conference since winning the election, nine days before his inauguration.

 Answering the claim that Russian intelligence procured compromising information against him for potential blackmail, Trump said: “I am careful when I travel, because cameras too small to detect are planted in hotel rooms, so I tell people all the time to be careful.”

Russia, China and everybody hacks the United States, he said, and promised a comprehensive program of defense against foreign hacking would quickly go into effect, designed by America’s finest computer minds.

He denied any deals with Russia or loans. On his relations with Vladimir Putin, the president-elect said; “So he likes Donald Trump? I consider that an asset not a liability. If we get along, fine, if we don’t, there will be no one tougher than me.”

He presented a pile of documents separating the Trump presidency from the Trump organization. His lawyer explained the mechanics of the transfer of the management of his business interests to his sons, Don and Eric, announcing also Trump had resigned all his posts and offices in the business and barred any foreign transactions for the duration of his presidency.
 

Our unique angle on these subjects – and strong intelligence dimension – has earned DEBKAfile a global reputation and a steady readership – which skyrockets in times of crisis.