In a tense appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, California Senator-elect Adam Schiff revisited his long-standing claims of Trump-Russia collusion — and stood by them.
Host Jake Tapper pressed Schiff on the controversy that led to his censure by the House last year. Tapper referenced Schiff’s former role as House Intelligence Committee Chairman and the Republican criticism that he misused his position by asserting, without solid proof, that the Trump campaign conspired with the Kremlin.
“You were censured last year for, in their view, making exaggerated claims about Russian collusion while holding a key oversight role,” Tapper said. “Given what the Mueller report concluded and what your Republican colleagues continue to argue, do you have any regrets? Do you think you may have unintentionally fueled some of today’s political chaos?”
Schiff pushed back forcefully.
“Not at all,” he replied. “That wasn’t an exaggeration. There was evidence of collusion. For example, Trump’s campaign chairman was sharing internal polling data directly with Russian intelligence. That’s just one case. The Mueller report spells it all out.”
Despite the years that have passed since the original investigation, Schiff’s defense of his position shows no signs of wavering. His remarks come amid growing questions about the direction of the Republican Party under Trump’s influence, particularly as figures like Matt Gaetz and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emerge as key players in the incoming administration.
