Schiff Comments On Previous Investigations
In a revealing interview on CNN's State of the Union, Senator-elect Adam Schiff (D-CA) addressed two pressing controversies regarding his stance on President-elect Donald Trump. When asked about his previous claims of Russian collusion by the Trump campaign in 2016 and the president-elect’s more recent statements on perceived “enemies from within,” Schiff defended his record and made it clear he has no intentions of backing down in his new role in the Senate.
The first exchange focused on Schiff's handling of the Russia investigation. Host Jake Tapper pressed Schiff, noting that Trump’s allies viewed him as one of Washington's key disruptors during Trump's first term. Tapper asked if Schiff, as the former Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, felt any need for introspection about his strong assertions of Trump-Russia collusion.
Schiff firmly rejected the notion that he had overstated the evidence, pointing to the example of Trump’s campaign manager, Paul Manafort, allegedly sharing polling data with a Russian intelligence officer as proof of collusion. “There is evidence of collusion,” Schiff said, referencing the Mueller report. Tapper countered with the Mueller report’s conclusion that “the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government,” but Schiff maintained that Mueller’s inability to prove conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt did not erase the evidence of collusion.
BREAKING: Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) Tells CNN: 'Gaetz Not Only Unqualified, He’s Disqualified'—Says Evidence Shows Trump Colluded with Russia in 2016, Vows Not to Be Intimidated By Trump if He Uses The Military Against Him. WATCH pic.twitter.com/sjeMlqWxva
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) November 17, 2024
In the second half of the interview, Schiff discussed recent inflammatory rhetoric from Trump that suggested “the military” could handle “very bad people” from within—remarks that Schiff took as a personal threat. When Tapper played the clip of Trump describing “radical left lunatics” as a “problem from within,” Schiff interpreted the comments as Trump implying a willingness to use military force against political opponents like himself and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Clearly, that’s what he was talking about,” Schiff stated, underscoring his hope that the U.S. military would resist any unconstitutional orders from a future Trump administration. Schiff’s stance was resolute: he has no intentions of backing down or succumbing to intimidation.
Schiff also elaborated on his mission as he prepares to enter the Senate. Despite his contentious relationship with Trump, he emphasized a commitment to collaborate with the administration on issues benefiting Californians, such as addressing rising prices.
But he clarified that if Trump pursues what Schiff views as “unconstitutional abuses of power,” he will vigorously defend the rights and freedoms of the American people. As Schiff put it, “Californians are expecting me, first and foremost, to try to work and get things done, work across the aisle where possible... But I will defend our state.”
Adam Schiff was caught lying about Trump’s Russia collusion for years and was censured by the House, a historic punishment
Here he is on CNN lying about Russia collusion once again
This guy does not learn pic.twitter.com/o9ruX2YMfN
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) November 17, 2024
This interview underscores Schiff’s complex relationship with the president-elect. His staunch criticism of Trump’s first administration, particularly on matters of Russian collusion, has left him as one of the most polarizing figures in Washington. Now, in his role as Senator-elect, he aims to balance cooperation with opposition, a position that will likely continue to generate strong reactions from Trump’s base and allies.