It was not clear what specific steps, if any, U.S. intelligence officials think Russia may have taken to help Trump, according to the individuals. The New York Times first reported on the intelligence conclusion that Russia wants to help the president in 2020. ADTrump erroneously believed that Pierson had given the assessment exclusively to Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, people familiar with the matter said. A senior White House official said a nominee would be announced before March 11. That view is at odds with the conclusions of senior U.S. intelligence officials, who have said Russia’s operation in 2016 was sweeping and systematic, and unlike previous Russian or Soviet efforts.

Source: Washington Post February 20, 2020 20:16 UTC