It took place very early on, and long before the phony Russia Hoax became a 'hot' Fake News story. First, there are explosive claims floated by Trump or his allies on Capitol Hill, including Rep. Devin Nunes, the California Republican who leads the House Intelligence Committee. The final stage often includes either hedging, a public walk-back, or reporting from nonpartisan news outlets that debunks the original claims. Claim: Improper unmasking of Trump aidesOnce the Trump Tower wiretap flap died down, the White House and Nunes floated a new theory. Claim: Steele dossier triggered Russia probeA regular rallying cry on conservative media and from Hill Republicans is that trigger-happy FBI agents used the Trump-Russia dossier to start the Russia investigation back in July 2016.

Source: CNN May 19, 2018 15:00 UTC