While these allegations are serious (and scary), they are just that—allegations. As of now, the claims in this document are entirely unsubstantiated. No person or agency has gone on record yet to confirm them. I was hesitant to publish this story, mostly because I don’t agree that a Trump tweet is trustworthy confirmation of anything these days. But I respect the author’s right to share his view. If you feel inspired to respond, please do so with the same respect. ~ Nicole, eleditor

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Initially I was skeptical about the Buzzfeed story alleging Russia had compromising personal and financial facts about President-Elect Donald Trump.

The story is unverified, and therefore, not news.

It was rumor—until now.

Yesterday, American Intelligence confirmed that they briefed both President-elect Donald Trump and President Obama on information that alleges Russia possesses compromising personal and financial information about Donald Trump. They were presented with a two-page synopsis, which was pulled from a 35-page classified report that also accused Donald Trump of colluding with the Russians. This 35-page classified document  was supposedly leaked to Buzzfeed and published Tuesday night.

President-elect Trump confirmed during this morning’s press conference that he was briefed by U.S. Intelligence about the classified report. So we know that U.S. Intelligence has a report about Donald Trump’s involvement with Russia, but that doesn’t mean the document published on BuzzFeed was the same document that Trump and President Obama were briefed on.

Enter Donald Trump’s Big Mouth and Tiny, Tweeting Hands.

This morning Trump took to Twitter to blame American Intelligence for the leak. And again in his press conference. In doing so, the President-Elect confirmed the source of the Buzzfeed article:

1. He and U.S. Intel have confirmed that he was briefed on the matter.
2. He admits to having seen the document published on Buzzfeed.
3. He blames U.S. Intel for leaking the information.
4. Therefore, he is saying what is on Buzzfeed is what he saw in this briefing.

He may be denying the truth of the report, but he has verified the source—U.S. Intelligence. And we must take him at his word because he is not just some loud-mouthed celebrity anymore. He is the President-elect of the United States. 

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Author: Benjamin Riggs

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Editor: Nicole Cameron