Obama Receives Classified Russian Hacking Report
This morning at the White House, President Barack Obama received a classified report on the intelligence community's full assessment of Russian and other cyberattacks on U.S. elections. At the same time, senior intelligence officials testifying on Capitol Hill during a Senate hearing on foreign cyberthreats refused to comment specifically on the report's findings. http://abcn.ws/2j8DanW
Former Sen. Dan Coats Leading Candidate for Director of National Intelligence
Former Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana is a leading candidate for Director of National Intelligence in Donald Trump’s administration, according to three senior Trump transition officials. Coats, 73, made a visit to Trump Tower late last year and said at the time that he was not seeking a position. http://abcn.ws/2iMApfr
Pot Advocates Plan to Hand Out 4,200 Free Joints on Inauguration Day
A group of activists plans to cause a literal stink at the presidential inauguration -- in support of marijuana reform. The group, called DCMJ, has announced their plans to hand out upwards of 4,200 marijuana cigarettes near Dupont Circle the morning of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and then march towards the National Mall.http://abcn.ws/2j8KHmE
Despite Promise, Trump Divulges No New Election Hacking Details
The day that Donald Trump promised to reveal what no one else knew about the hacking of the Democratic Party has come and gone. On New Year’s Eve, Trump said that he knows "things that other people don’t know, and so they cannot be sure of the situation." Pressed by a reporter for details, Trump said, "you’ll find out Tuesday or Wednesday." But as the day came to a close, Trump hadn’t revealed any more details about the hacking of his campaign opponents, admitting only – in a tweet – that "somebody hacked the DNC," and alleging the party had weak cyber defenses.
President Obama Tells Democrats in Congress to Stand Their Ground in Fight Over Obamacare
President Obama told Democratic lawmakers Wednesday that he envied the position they were in to battle Republicans on the frontlines in the halls of Congress. "I envy you so much," he said, according to lawmakers in the room during their closed-door meeting. "Because I would love to be on the field right now...you're privileged to be in the arena." The president traveled across town for a rare meeting on Capitol Hill with Democrats and, according to members of Congress and aides in the room, told them to stand their ground, ABC's MARYALICE PARKS and ALI ROGIN report. http://abcn.ws/2hRbrqV