Trump, Britain’s Theresa May discuss clamping down on Russian spy work

President Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May discussed ways to clamp down on Russian spy work during a phone call on Wednesday.

“Both leaders agreed on the importance of dismantling Russia’s spy networks in the United Kingdom and the United States to curtail Russian clandestine activities and prevent future chemical weapons attacks on either country’s soil,” the White House said in a readout of the call. 

The call comes as the U.S. and U.K. are responding to the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, who are living in the U.K. 

{mosads}The U.K. expelled 23 Russians last week after a government investigation determined that the nerve agent attack was carried out by Moscow. 

The Trump administration announced on Monday that it will banish dozens of Russian diplomats from the U.S. in the wake of the attack, while at least 21 nations — mainly from Europe — have ordered more than 135 Russian diplomats to leave their nations. 

The White House also said the two leaders discussed how the passage of the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act could ensure better law enforcement cooperation between countries. 

The legislation, which has been led by Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) in the House and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in the Senate, permits investigators to obtain electronic information stored anywhere in the world by technology firms.

It would also make it simpler for U.S. officials to enter into formal agreements with other nations for cross-border investigative requests for digital evidence.

The call also comes as U.S. officials warn of possible Russian interference in the 2018 U.S. midterm elections, as well as elections abroad. 

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen warned a group of 80 diplomats, including the Russian ambassador, last week that the U.S. would retaliate if other nations meddled in upcoming U.S. elections.