Federal policy on Russia, 2017-2018

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Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and the firing and hiring of the FBI director

For information more on the Russia probe and the firing and hiring of the FBI director, view the following articles:

•Senate investigation

•House investigation

•Trump firing of FBI Director James Comey

•Congressional responses to the firing of James Comey

•Considered candidates for FBI diretcor

•Hillary Clinton email investigation

•Reactions to Comey's letter on Clinton email investigation

•Federal policy on Russia

•Robert Mueller

See also: Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election

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This page tracked major events and policy positions of the Trump administration and the 115th United States Congress on Russia from 2017 and 2018.

The Russian government’s efforts to undermine U.S. elections and democracy have been a major area of focus during President Donald Trump’s time in office. Five congressional investigations and one special investigation were launched regarding Russia and the 2016 presidential election. There was also concern that Russia was attempting to meddle in the 2018 midterm elections.

On December 18, 2017, the Trump administration released a document that outlined the administration's primary national security concerns and its strategy for addressing them. The document said the following of Russia: "Today, actors such as Russia are using information tools in an attempt to undermine the legitimacy of democracies. Adversaries target media, political processes, financial networks, and personal data. The American public and private sectors must recognize this and work together to defend our way of life."^[1]

On February 13, 2018, during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats reiterated the administration’s concerns about Russia by warning members of Congress that Russia would try to meddle in the 2018 midterm elections. He said, “We expect Russia to continue using propaganda, social media, false-flag personas, sympathetic spokespeople and other means of influence to try to exacerbate social and political fissures in the United States. ... There should be no doubt that Russia perceives its past efforts as successful and views the 2018 U.S. midterm elections as a potential target for Russian influence operations.”^[2]

On July 16, 2018, Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, for a formal one-on-one meeting, the first such meeting between the two. Following the one-on-one meeting, the two participated in a group meeting and working lunch with aides. At the conclusion of the one-on-one meeting and the working lunch, Trump and Putin fielded questions from reporters at a joint press conference. Trump said that they discussed allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, nuclear proliferation, denuclearization of North Korea, and terrorism.^[3]

Click on the timeline below to learn more about each headline.

• February 1, 2019: U.S. to suspend INF treaty with Russia
• January 29, 2019: U.S. intel officials cite cooperation between China and Russia as top security threat
• November 29, 2018: Trump cancels meeting with Putin in response to Russian conflict with Ukraine
• October 20, 2018: Trump announces U.S. will withdraw from nuclear treaty with Russia
• July 16, 2018: Trump meets with Putin in Helsinki
• April 13, 2018: Trump orders precision strikes against Syria
• April 10, 2018: Haley criticizes Russia for vetoing U.N. resolution to investigate chemical attacks
• April 8, 2018: Trump administration considering response to chemical attack in Syria; blames Syria, Russia, and Iran
• April 6, 2018: Trump administration places sanctions on Putin’s allies
• March 26, 2018: Trump administration announces 60 Russian intelligence officers ordered to leave U.S.
• March 15, 2018: Trump administration imposes sanctions on Russia for cyber attacks and meddling in the 2016 election
• February 5, 2018: Russia and U.S. both announce compliance with nuclear treaty
• October 7, 2017: Huntsman sworn-in as ambassador to Russia
• August 31, 2017: Three Russian consular offices ordered to close
• August 2, 2017: Trump signs bill placing sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia
• May 10, 2017: Trump reportedly discloses confidential information to Russian officials; White House denies report
• April 21, 2017: No waivers on Russian sanctions for drilling projects
• February 13, 2017: National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigns
• February 2, 2017: Trump administration modifies Obama-era sanctions on Russia
• Congressional investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election

February 1, 2019: U.S. to suspend INF treaty with Russia[edit]

On February 1, 2019, the Trump administration said that it would suspend its obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, effective February 2, 2019, because Russia was not complying with the treaty.^[4]

In a statement, President Donald Trump explained the decision to leave the treaty, saying, “The United States has fully adhered to the INF Treaty for more than 30 years, but we will not remain constrained by its terms while Russia misrepresents its actions. We cannot be the only country in the world unilaterally bound by this treaty, or any other. We will move forward with developing our own military response options and will work with NATO and our other allies and partners to deny Russia any military advantage from its unlawful conduct.”^[4]

The process of leaving the treaty was expected to be completed in six months, but Trump said that the U.S. would consider complying with the treaty if Russia destroyed all of its missiles, launchers, and associated equipment prohibited by the treaty.^[4]

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the decision, saying, “Russia has refused to take any steps to return to real and verifiable compliance over these 60 days. The United States will therefore suspend its obligations under the INF Treaty effective Feb. 2, and we will provide Russia and the other treaty parties with formal notice that the United States is withdrawing from the INF Treaty effective in six months pursuant to Article 15 of the treat.”^[5]

NATO released a statement in support of the Trump administration's decision. “Unless Russia honours its INF Treaty obligations through the verifiable destruction of all of its 9M729 systems, thereby returning to full and verifiable compliance before the U.S. withdrawal takes effect in six months, Russia will bear sole responsibility for the end of the treaty,” the statement said.^[5]

In 2014, members of the Obama administration accused Russia of violating the treaty because of its development of a 9M729 cruise missile, and the Trump admininstration reiterated the same concerns in December 2018.^[5]

Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking member Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) called the decision a gift for Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized the Trump admininstration, saying, “Through its actions, the Kremlin bears responsibility for the degradation of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Throughout this process however, I have had serious concerns that the Trump administration lacks a coherent strategy to address the threat new Russian cruise missiles pose to the interests of the United States and those of our allies.”^[5]

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-Idaho) praised the decision, saying, “The Russian government has had endless opportunities to change their bad behavior, and over the past 60 days has proven its disinterest in doing so. The time has come to set the treaty aside and develop alternative avenues toward the security the treaty once provided.”^[5]

The INF Treaty, which was signed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan and President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, prohibits the use of intermediate- and shorter-range rockets. It also prohibits testing, producing, or fielding ground-based missiles.

December 4, 2018: Pompeo gives Russia 60 days to comply with INF Treaty[edit]

On December 4, 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. would withdraw from the 1987 Treaty on Intermediate-range Nuclear Force (INF) in 60 days if Russia did not return to compliance with the treaty. Pompeo said that the U.S. would develop and test weapons prohibited under the treaty if Russia did not adhere with the guidelines of the accord. Russia denied allegations that they violated the treaty.

The U.S. accused Russia of violating the treaty with its 9M729 cruise missile project, which included missiles that could strike at a distance of between 300 and 3,400 miles.^[6]

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg commented on the situation, saying, “We don’t want a new arms race. It is up to Russia now to preserve the INF treaty.” He added that all NATO allies supported the U.S.’ stance.^[7]

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country would develop and test prohibited weapons if the U.S. withdrew from the treaty. He said, “Our American partners apparently believe that the situation has changed to such an extent that the U.S. should have such weapons. What answer will they have from our side? It’s simple: we’ll do it too.”^[6]

January 29, 2019: U.S. intel officials cite cooperation between China and Russia as top security threat[edit]

On January 29, 2019, U.S. intelligence officials delivered their annual assessment of global threats to national security to Congress, identifying cooperation between China and Russia as their top concern.^[8]

During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Wray, and Central Intelligence Agency Director Gina Haspel addressed global threats, including cyber warfare, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism.^[9][8]

The report focused on the relationship between China and Russia and stated that the two countries “are more aligned than at any point since the mid-1950s, and the relationship is likely to strengthen in the coming year as some of their interests and threat perceptions converge, particularly regarding perceived US unilateralism and interventionism and Western promotion of democratic values and human rights.” Intelligence officials said that they expected Russia and China to continue to interfere in U.S. elections. They also warned that China was capable of launching cyberattacks that could disable U.S. critical infrastructure.^[8]

Intelligence officials also warned members of Congress about the ongoing threats posed by chemical weapons and terrorism. They found that “North Korea, Russia, Syria, and ISIS have used chemical weapons on the battlefield or in assassination operations during the past two years.” They identified Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia as hotspots for terrorism, and said that ISIS would continue to pose a global threat despite losing territorial ground in Syria.^[8]

President Donald Trump criticized the intelligence community’s report in a series of tweets. He wrote, “The Intelligence people seem to be extremely passive and naive when it comes to the dangers of Iran. They are wrong!” The following day, after a meeting with intelligence officials, Trump wrote, “I value our intelligence community. Happily, we had a very good meeting, and we are all on the same page!”^[10][11]

November 29, 2018: Trump cancels meeting with Putin in response to Russian conflict with Ukraine[edit]

On November 29, 2018, President Donald Trump canceled his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia seized three Ukrainian naval ships and detained crew members as they were traveling through the Kerch Strait. Trump and Putin were scheduled to meet during the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.^[12]

Trump wrote in a tweet, “Based on the fact that the ships and sailors have not been returned to Ukraine from Russia, I have decided it would be best for all parties concerned to cancel my previously scheduled meeting in Argentina with President Vladimir Putin. I look forward to a meaningful Summit again as soon as this situation is resolved!”^[12]

October 20, 2018: Trump announces U.S. will withdraw from nuclear treaty with Russia[edit]

On October 20, 2018, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. would withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) because Russia had violated the agreement. Trump said, "They have been violating it for many years. And we’re not going to let them violate a nuclear agreement and go out and do weapons and we’re not allowed to. … We’re the ones that have stayed in the agreement, and we’ve honored the agreement. But Russia has not, unfortunately, honored the agreement. So we’re going to terminate the agreement and we’re going to pull out.”^[13]

Russia denied allegations that they violated the treaty. Russian officials said that although they were in the process of developing the 9M729 missile system, they were in compliance with the pact.^[13]

The INF Treaty, which was signed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan and President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, prohibits the use of intermediate- and shorter-range rockets. It also prohibits testing, producing, or fielding ground-based missiles.^[13]

July 16, 2018: Trump meets with Putin in Helsinki[edit]

On July 16, 2018, President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, for a formal one-on-one meeting, the first such meeting between the two. Prior to the meeting's start, as the two posed for photos before the press, Trump said, "I think we have great opportunities together as two countries that, frankly, we have not been getting along very well for the last number of years. But I think we will end up having an extraordinary relationship. I hope so."^[14][3]

Putin said, "We have been in continual contact by telephone since the last time [we met], and obviously the time has come to have a business-like conversation because there is so much happening in the world that we need to talk about."^[15]

The one-on-one meeting lasted two hours. Trump and Putin were accompanied only by translators. At the meeting's end, the two were joined by aides for a group meeting and working lunch. Accompanying Trump were Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Council member Fiona Hill, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, National Security Adviser John Bolton, Chief of Staff John Kelly, and translator Marina Gross.^[3][16]

Trump and Putin answer questions at a post-meeting press conference[edit]

At the conclusion of the one-on-one meeting and the working lunch, Trump and Putin fielded questions from reporters at a joint press conference. According to Trump, discussion topics during his private meeting with Putin included allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, nuclear proliferation, denuclearization of North Korea, and terrorism. Below is a selection of their remarks.

Trump's remarks[edit]

• Trump on the United States' relationship with Russia: "Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However, that changed as of about four hours ago. I really believe that. ... Nothing would be easier than to refuse to meet, to refuse to engage. But that would not accomplish anything." He later said, "I hold both countries responsible. I think that the United States has been foolish. We've all been foolish. We should have frankly had this dialogue a long time ago. I think that we're all to blame. I think that the United States has now stepped forward with Russia."^[17][18]

• Trump on alleged Russian interference in U.S. elections: "President Putin may very well want to address it and very strongly [because] he feels very strongly about it and he has an interesting idea."^[19] Regarding Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in U.S. elections, Trump said, "I think that the probe is a disaster for our country. I think it's kept [the United States and Russia] apart. I think it's kept us separated."^[20] Trump also said, referring to the Democratic National Committee's email server, "I have President Putin, he just said it's not Russia. I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would be, but I really do want to see the server. But I have — I have confidence in both parties. I really believe that this will probably go on for a while, but I don't think it can go on without finding out what happened to the server."^[21]

Putin's remarks[edit]

• Putin on Russia's relationship with the United States: "It's clear to everyone that the bilateral relationship [is] going through a complicated stage. Yet those impediments, the current tension, the tense atmosphere essentially have no solid reason behind it."^[22]

• Putin on alleged Russian interference in U.S. elections: "Once again, President Trump mentioned [the] issue of the so-called interference of Russia with the American elections. I had to reiterate things I said several times, including during our personal contacts, that the Russian state has never interfered and is not going to interfere in internal American affairs, including election process."^[23] Putin later said that Trump had raised the possibility of extraditing 12 Russians indicted by a grand jury for hacking Democratic computer networks in an attempt to interfere with the 2016 presidential election: "I don't know the full extent of the situation. President Trump mentioned the issue. I will look into it."^[24]

Trump's post-meeting comments[edit]

On July 17, 2018, in advance of a meeting with congressional Republicans at the White House, Trump said, "I accept our intelligence community's conclusion that Russia's meddling in the 2016 election took place. Could be other people also. A lot of people out there. ... I have full faith and support for America's great intelligence agencies, always have." Trump also said that he had misspoken at the Helsinki press conference when he said, "I have President Putin; he just said it's not Russia. I will say this: I don't see any reason why it would be." Trump noted that he instead meant to say, "I don't see any reason why it would not be."^[25]

On July 18, 2018, Trump said the following via Twitter: "So many people at the higher ends of intelligence loved my press conference performance in Helsinki. Putin and I discussed many important subjects at our earlier meeting. We got along well which truly bothered many haters who wanted to see a boxing match. Big results will come."^[26]

On July 18, 2018, in an interview with CBS Evening News anchor Jeff Glor, Trump said that he believed U.S. intelligence reports that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. In response to a question from Glor asking whether Trump considered Putin personally accountable for the meddling, Trump said, "Well, I would, because he's in charge of the country. Just like I consider myself to be responsible for things that happen in this country. So certainly as the leader of a country you would have to hold him responsible, yes."^[27]

On July 19, 2018, Trump said via Twitter that looked forward to a second meeting with Putin at an unspecified future date: "The Summit with Russia was a great success, except with the real enemy of the people, the Fake News Media. I look forward to our second meeting so that we can start implementing some of the many things discussed, including stopping terrorism, security for Israel, nuclear proliferation, cyber attacks, trade, Ukraine, Middle East peace, North Korea, and more.^[28]

April 13, 2018: Trump orders precision strikes against Syria[edit]

On April 13, 2018, President Donald Trump, along with France and the United Kingdom, ordered precision strikes against Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, that left more than 40 dead. More than 100 missiles were fired at three chemical weapons facilities in Syria.^[29][30][31]

In a speech from the White House, Trump said that the strikes would continue until Syria decided to end “its use of prohibited chemical agents.” He added that the U.S. did not plan to stay in the region for an extended period of time. He said, “America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria. It’s a troubled place. We will try to make it better. But it’s a troubled place.”^[29][30]

During his speech, Trump criticized Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for allegedly carrying out chemical weapons attacks on his own people. Trump said, "These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster."^[29][30]

Trump also criticized Russia for supporting Assad. He said, "Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace.”^[29][30]

In a statement, British Prime Minister Theresa May said that she authorized British armed forces to “conduct co-ordinated and targeted strikes to degrade the Syrian Regime’s chemical weapons capability and deter their use. … This is the first time as Prime Minister that I have had to take the decision to commit our armed forces in combat — and it is not a decision I have taken lightly. We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised — within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world."^[29][30]

After the attack was carried out, Defense Secretary James Mattis said, “Clearly the Assad regime did not get the message last year. This time our allies and we have struck harder. Together we have sent a clear message to Assad and his murderous lieutenants that they should not perpetrate another chemical weapons attack, for which they will be held accountable.”^[31]

When asked if the attacks would continue in Syria, Mattis said, “Should he [Assad] decide to use more chemical weapons in the future and of course, the powers that have signed the chemical weapons prohibition have every reason to challenge Assad if should he choose to violate that. But right now this is a one-time shot and I believe that it sent a very strong message to dissuade him to, to deter him from doing this again."^[31]

On April 14, 2018, Trump wrote in a tweet, "A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!"^[32]

Congressional response[edit]

Trump's decision was praised by Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He said, “Chemical attacks against innocent children and civilians are horrific and totally unacceptable. Assad must know his inhumane actions will not be tolerated. President Trump is engaged and led our allies in measured response to hold Assad accountable."^[30]

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, also praised the move, saying, "The attack is part of a trend of Russian supported chemical weapons attacks across the world. The United States and our allies cannot let these attacks stand. I support the President’s decision to undertake this strike together with our allies. Tough questions about the future of our policy in Syria remain, but those questions should not detract from the justness of tonight’s actions."^[30]

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said that Trump did not have the authority to authorize the strikes. He said, “President Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against the Syrian government without Congress’s approval is illegal and – absent a broader strategy – it’s reckless. Assad must face consequences for his war crimes, but Presidents cannot initiate military action when there isn’t an imminent threat to American lives. Today, it’s a strike on Syria – what’s going to stop him from bombing Iran or North Korea next?”^[30]

April 10, 2018: Haley criticizes Russia for vetoing U.N. resolution to investigate chemical attacks[edit]

On April 10, 2018, Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for the creation of a group to investigate the April 8, 2018, chemical attacks in Syria.^[33]

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, condemned Russia, saying, "The record will not be kind to one permanent member of this council. Unfortunately, Russia has chosen the Assad regime again over the unity of this council. We have said it before that Russia will stop at nothing to shield the Assad regime."^[33]

Russia said that its investigators found that chemical weapons were not used, which contradicted the findings of the White Helmets, a Syrian aid group.^[33]

April 6, 2018: Trump administration places sanctions on Putin’s allies[edit]

On April 6, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control placed sanctions on seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control; 17 senior Russian government officials; and a state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary. Some of Putin’s closest allies, including Kirill Shamalov, his son-in-law, and Suleiman Kerimov, a top Putin adviser, were on the sanctions list.^[34]

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement, “The Russian government operates for the disproportionate benefit of oligarchs and government elites. The Russian government engages in a range of malign activity around the globe, including continuing to occupy Crimea and instigate violence in eastern Ukraine, supplying the Assad regime with material and weaponry as they bomb their own civilians, attempting to subvert Western democracies, and malicious cyber activities. Russian oligarchs and elites who profit from this corrupt system will no longer be insulated from the consequences of their government’s destabilizing activities.”^[34]

According to a press release from the Treasury Department, “All assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction of the designated individuals and entities, and of any other entities blocked by operation of law as a result of their ownership by a sanctioned party, are frozen, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealings with them. Additionally, non-U.S. persons could face sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of the individuals or entities blocked today.”^[34]

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) praised the move, saying, "These new sanctions send a clear message to Vladimir Putin that the illegal occupation of Ukraine, support for the Assad regime’s war crimes, efforts to undermine Western democracies, and malicious cyberattacks will continue to result in severe consequences for him and those who empower him.”^[35]

Some Democrats, including Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) called on the Trump administration to go further by articulating a comprehensive strategy against Moscow. He said, "Nearly 15 months into this Administration, the American people and our allies are still questioning whether the President is willing to fully defend our democracy and our national security."^[35]

The sanctions were imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which was signed into law on August 2, 2017.

March 26, 2018: Trump administration announces 60 Russian intelligence officers ordered to leave U.S.[edit]

On March 26, 2018, the Trump administration announced that 60 Russian intelligence officers had seven days to leave the U.S. The move was in response to the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, who were living in the United Kingdom at the time of the attack. The 60 Russian intelligence officers posing as diplomats “face banishment for conducting intelligence activities under diplomatic cover that undermine national security,” according to The Hill. The Russian consulate in Seattle, located near a U.S. naval base and manufacturing plants for Boeing, was also ordered to be closed. The expulsions were the largest by the U.S. since the Cold War.^[36][37]

The U.S. and U.K. blamed the Russian government for the nerve-agent attack, but Moscow denied responsibility. More than 20 nations ordered Russian diplomats and intelligence officers to leave their countries because of the attack on Skripal and his daughter.^[37]

According to a press briefing transcript released by the White House, a senior administration official said, “The United States takes this action in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners around the world in response to Russia’s use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom, the latest in its ongoing pattern of destabilizing activities around the world. Today’s actions make the United States safer by reducing Russia’s ability to spy on Americans and to conduct covert operations that threaten America’s national security. With these steps, the United States and our allies and partners make clear to Russia that its actions have consequences. The United States stands ready to cooperate to build a better relationship with Russia, but this can only happen with a change in the Russian government’s behavior.”^[38]

A senior British official called the announcement “an exceptionally strong signal of transatlantic unity, U.S. leadership, and support for the U.K. and Prime Minister Theresa May.”^[36]

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) praised the announcement, saying, "When it comes to Russia we must continue to take strong action and today’s announcement is a good start. I greatly appreciate President Trump for taking this decisive action."^[39]

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also praised the move, saying, "The administration has done the right thing in supporting our British allies."^[39]

Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov said the move was a "grave mistake. ... It is up to the United States to decide what kind of relations they want to have with the Russian Federation."^[39]

The Russian consulates in Houston, Texas, and New York, New York, in addition to its Washington embassy, were the only remaining consulates after the Seattle consulate was ordered to be closed.^[39]

Background on the nerve-agent attack and the Russian government’s destabilization efforts[edit]

According to a press briefing transcript released by the White House, a senior administration official discussed the attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the United Kingdom. The official said, “On March 4th, the Russian government conducted an attack on America’s closest ally. It put countless innocent lives, including the lives of children, at risk, and resulted in serious injury to three people, including a police officer. This was a reckless attempt by the government to murder a British citizen and his daughter on British soil with a military-grade nerve agent. It cannot go unanswered. The Salisbury attack was only the latest in a long series of Russian efforts to undermine international peace and stability. The Russian government has shown malicious contempt for the sovereignty and security of countries worldwide. It has repeatedly sought to subvert and discredit Western institutions. These efforts are ongoing. Today, we stand in solidarity with America’s closest ally, the United Kingdom. To the Russian government, we say: When you attack our friends, you will face serious consequences. With today’s action, we are removing a large number of the unacceptably numerous Russian intelligence officers who abide in the United States. This reduces Russia’s ability to spy on American citizens, conduct covert operations on our soil, and threaten our national security.”^[38]

March 15, 2018: Trump administration imposes sanctions on Russia for cyber attacks and meddling in the 2016 election[edit]

On March 15, 2018, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed economic sanctions on five Russian entities and 19 individuals for cyber attacks and meddling in the 2016 election. According to a Treasury Department press release, the assets of these entities and individuals will be frozen, and Americans will be prohibited from doing business with them.^[40]

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in a statement, “The Administration is confronting and countering malign Russian cyber activity, including their attempted interference in U.S. elections, destructive cyber-attacks, and intrusions targeting critical infrastructure. These targeted sanctions are a part of a broader effort to address the ongoing nefarious attacks emanating from Russia. Treasury intends to impose additional CAATSA [Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act] sanctions, informed by our intelligence community, to hold Russian government officials and oligarchs accountable for their destabilizing activities by severing their access to the U.S. financial system.”^[40]

The sanctions targeted the Internet Research Agency and the individuals that special counsel Robert Mueller indicted on February 16, 2018, for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. The group of Russian nationals and the agency were charged with "conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and aggravated identity theft," according to Politico. The indictment alleged that “some defendants, posing as U.S. persons and without revealing their Russian association, communicated with unwitting individuals associated with the Trump Campaign and with other political activists to seek to coordinate political activities."^[41]

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that the sanctions were not enough. He said, “We’re still waiting for action to harden our election security, and we’re still waiting for the president, President Trump, to utter one word of public criticism for what Putin is doing to the U.S. and democracies around the world. I say to President Trump, your silence speaks on this issue.”^[42]

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) also released a statement on the sanctions, saying that the administration "took an overdue step forward today in holding Putin accountable for his brazen attack on our democracy. It is critical that the administration work urgently to fully implement sanctions under the 'Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act,' including on those responsible for the attack on the 2016 election and who were recently named in the special counsel’s indictment, as well as on entities operating in the oil and gas sectors."^[42]

February 5, 2018: Russia and U.S. both announce compliance with nuclear treaty[edit]

On February 5, 2018, Russia and the U.S. both separately announced that they complied with the New START Treaty. START, initiated by the Obama administration in 2011, required the two countries to decrease their nuclear arsenals to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads by February 5, 2018. The announcements came two days after the Pentagon unveiled its new nuclear strategy, in which the U.S. would shift its focus to smaller nuclear weapons to deter Russia.^[43][44]

October 7, 2017: Huntsman sworn-in as ambassador to Russia[edit]

On October 7, 2017, Jon Huntsman Jr. was sworn-in as ambassador to Russia. During the ceremony, Huntsman said that there was a low level of trust between the U.S. and Russia. He added, “I need to be very honest about the current perceptions of Russia now in the United States. Events over the past year, in particular, have led many Americans to believe Russia wants to undermine American democracy.”^[45]

President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Jon Huntsman Jr., the former governor of Utah and a 2012 Republican presidential candidate, to be the U.S. ambassador to Russia on July 18, 2017. On September 28, 2017, he was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as ambassador to Russia.^[46]

Huntsman Jr. previously served as the U.S. ambassador to China under former President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2011 and the U.S. ambassador to Singapore under former President George H.W. Bush from 1992 to 1993.^[47]

August 31, 2017: Three Russian consular offices ordered to close[edit]

On August 31, 2017, the Trump administration ordered that the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco, chancery annex in Washington, and consular annex in New York be closed. In July, Russia ordered that 755 American diplomatic personnel leave the country by September.^[48]

August 2, 2017: Trump signs bill placing sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia[edit]

On August 2, 2017, Trump signed HR 3364—the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The bill placed sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia.^[49][50]

Trump criticized some of the provisions of the bill, specifically those related to Russia, but praised the bill for sending a message to Iran and North Korea. Part of his statement on the bill appears below.

May 10, 2017: Trump reportedly discloses confidential information to Russian officials; White House denies report[edit]

On May 10, 2017, Trump met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the White House where they discussed Syria and Russia's role in controlling the Assad regime.^[53]

The Washington Post reported on May 15, 2017, that during this meeting, Trump disclosed classified information obtained through an information-sharing agreement. "The partner had not given the United States permission to share the material with Russia, and officials said Trump’s decision to do so endangers cooperation from an ally that has access to the inner workings of the Islamic State. After Trump’s meeting, senior White House officials took steps to contain the damage, placing calls to the CIA and the National Security Agency," according to The Washington Post.^[54]

Dina Powell, the deputy national security adviser for strategy, called the story false. "The president only discussed the common threats that both countries faced," she said.^[55]

The following morning, Trump wrote in a tweet, "As President I wanted to share with Russia (at an openly scheduled W.H. meeting) which I have the absolute right to do, facts pertaining ... to terrorism and airline flight safety. Humanitarian reasons, plus I want Russia to greatly step up their fight against ISIS & terrorism."^[56]

National security adviser H.R. McMaster, who was present at the meeting, declined to say whether the conversation included confidential information. "What I will do is tell you that in the context of that discussions, what the president discussed with the foreign minister is wholly appropriate in that conversation," he said.^[57]

April 21, 2017: No waivers on Russian sanctions for drilling projects[edit]

On April 21, 2017, the Treasury Department announced that ExxonMobil's request for a waiver to work on a joint drilling project in the Black Sea with a Russian state oil company, which was prohibited by sanctions against Russia, had been declined. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin released the following statement: "In consultation with President Donald J. Trump, the Treasury Department will not be issuing waivers to U.S. companies, including Exxon, authorizing drilling prohibited by current Russian sanctions."^[58]

February 13, 2017: National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigns[edit]

On February 13, 2017, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn resigned from his position as national security advisor amid reports that he did not provide Vice President Mike Pence with accurate information about a conversation that he had with a Russian ambassador concerning sanctions against the country. In his resignation letter, Flynn wrote, "I inadvertently briefed the Vice President-elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador. I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology."^[59]

A U.S. official confirmed on February 10, 2017, that Flynn and Sergey Kislyak, a Russian ambassador, spoke about sanctions placed on the country by the Obama administration during a conversation on December 29, 2016. According to one of Flynn's aides, Flynn had "no recollection of discussing sanctions," and "couldn't be certain that the topic never came up." According to CNN, “The context of Flynn's side of the conversation wasn't clear, even to the FBI and intelligence agencies that reviewed the content, and there's nothing to indicate that Flynn made any promises or acted improperly in the discussion.” If Flynn directly engaged in negotiations with the Russian ambassador about lifting the sanctions, he would have been in violation of "an obscure U.S. statute known as the Logan Act, which bars U.S. citizens from interfering in diplomatic disputes with another country," according to The Washington Post. The law was never used to prosecute any individuals.^[60][61]

On February 14, 2017, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that the Senate Intelligence Committee was considering opening an investigation into Flynn’s conversation, and he noted that it would likely be looked at in other ongoing investigations regarding Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election. Lawmakers wanted to see the transcript of Flynn’s call with Kislyak. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said, "I would think that we should talk to Gen. Flynn very soon and that should answer a lot of questions. What did he know? What did he do? And is there any reason to believe that anybody knew that and didn't take the kind of action they should have taken."^[62]

President Donald Trump commented on Flynn’s resignation on February 16, 2017. Trump said, “He didn't have to do that, because what he did wasn't wrong—what he did in terms of the information he saw. What was wrong was the way that other people, including yourselves in this room, were given that information, because that was classified information that was given illegally. That's the real problem. … I fired him because of what he said to Mike Pence. Very simple. Mike [Flynn] was doing his job. He was calling countries and his counterparts. So, it certainly would have been OK with me if he did it. I would have directed him to do it if I thought he wasn't doing it."^[63]

Yates testifies about Flynn's interactions with Kislyak[edit]

On May 8, 2017, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates testified before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary about Flynn's interactions with Kislyak and her subsequent communications with the Trump administration about the security risk that Flynn posed. She met with White House counsel Donald McGahn twice in January 2017 to inform him that Flynn had lied when he said he had not discussed Russian sanctions with Kislyak. "Well, our point was—is that logic would tell you that you don't want the national security adviser to be in a position where the Russians have leverage over him. Now, in terms of what impact that may have or could have had, I can't speak to that, but we knew that was not a good situation, which is why we wanted to let the White House know about it," she said.^[64] Yates added that she believed Pence had a right to know that the information he had reported to the public based on Flynn's statements was inaccurate.^[65]

February 2, 2017: Trump administration modifies Obama-era sanctions on Russia[edit]

On February 2, 2017, the Trump administration modified sanctions issued against Russia during the Obama administration. The Treasury Department released a license permitting certain technology-related transactions between U.S. companies and the Federal Security Service of Russia. The sanctions were initially put in place in December 2016 following reports from the national intelligence community that Russia had used cyberattacks to influence the presidential election.^[66]

White House press secretary Sean Spicer rejected characterizations of the license as an easing of sanctions. He said, “The Treasury Department — from what I understand, it is a fairly common practice for the Treasury Department, after sanctions are put in place, to go back and to look at whether or not there needs to be specific carve-outs for different either industries or products and services that need to be going back and forth.”^[67]

Congressional investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 election[edit]

See also: Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election

On December 29, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a joint analysis report finding that Russian civilian and military intelligence services had engaged in malicious cyber activity, including the intrusion of a U.S. political party's systems. As a result, both the House and Senate launched inquiries into whether Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election.^[68][69][70]

There were at least five investigations related to Russian cyberattacks and tampering in the 2016 presidential election and relations between Russia and the Trump campaign. The following committees were overseeing them:^[71][72][73]

• The Senate Intelligence Committee was investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and contacts between Trump campaign staffers and Russian officials.

• The House Intelligence Committee was also reviewing Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. After Trump accused former President Barack Obama of wiretapping Trump Tower on March 4, 2017, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the chair of the committee, said surveillance activities during the 2016 presidential election would also be under review.^[74] The committee released a final report finding no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia on April 27, 2018.

• The Senate Judiciary Committee was investigating potential leaks of classified information and documents related to the resignation of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, who resigned following reports that he did not disclose speaking with the Russian ambassador about sanctions in 2016.

• The House Judiciary Committee was investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and potential leaks of classified information.

• The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee was investigating the circumstances surrounding Flynn’s resignation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also confirmed on March 20, 2017, that it was investigating potential ties between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.^[75] Former FBI Director Robert Mueller was named as special counsel to oversee the FBI's investigation on May 17, 2017. Mueller submitted a report of the findings to Attorney General William Barr on March 22, 2019.^[76] For detailed information on these investigations, click here.

See also[edit]

• Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election

External links[edit]

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes[edit]

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