House leaders reportedly learned Russia was trying to get Trump re-elected — and Trump was angry about it

President Trump would rather keep the facts to himself.

Last week, the House Intelligence Committee reportedly received a briefing detailing how Russia was once again interfering in the 2020 election. The next day, Trump attacked his outgoing national intelligence director for letting the briefing happen, people familiar with the exchange told The New York Times.

The committee, led by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), learned from intelligence official Shelby Pierson that Russia was working to get Trump re-elected this fall, five people familiar with the matter said. Pierson has a reputation for bluntness, and some officials who heard about the briefing suggested Pierson should've left out the bit on Russia to avoid riling up Republicans in the room. Trump's allies at the briefing "challenged the conclusions, arguing that Mr. Trump has been tough on Russia and strengthened European security," the Times writes.

An even bigger uproar came the next day from Trump himself, who berated acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire for what was said in the briefing. This happened last Friday, and late Wednesday, Trump announced he was replacing Maguire with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who's unabashedly loyal to the president. Read more at The New York Times.

More stories from theweek.com
A moderate's 2020 lament
The stunning Southern Baptist controversy over Donald Trump and Russell Moore, explained
How much will Medicare-for-all save Americans? A lot.