Schiff: There’s ‘plenty of evidence’ of collusion ‘in plain sight’

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Sunday that he believes there’s evidence “in plain sight” that President Trump colluded with the Russians.

“I think there’s plenty of evidence of collusion or conspiracy in plain sight,” Schiff said on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

The congressman was responding to assertions from White House counselor Kellyanne Conway that Trump’s claims of a “witch hunt” and “hoax” refer specifically to claims he was elected with the help of Russia, not the broader investigation into Russian influence campaigns.

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Schiff disputed that special counsel Robert Mueller has thus far not presented any evidence of collusion. However, he acknowledged that the evidence may not be enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump colluded with Russia.

Schiff has been among the most outspoken critics of Trump on the issue of Russian interference in the 2016 election. He blasted the president on Sunday for his refusal to unequivocally condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin over the issue during a summit between the two presidents last month, and warned it could encourage Russia to continue influencing future elections.

“As long as Russia interferes on Donald Trump’s side in the midterms, Vladimir Putin can count on the president not to call him out,” Schiff said.

In an unusual move, the White House sent national security adviser John Bolton, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, FBI Director Christopher Wray and National Security Agency Director Gen. Paul Nakasone to the White House briefing last week to detail their agencies’ efforts to address election meddling.

Each official specifically called out Russia and cautioned that they continue to see Russian efforts to interfere. 

Trump, however, has cast doubt on that conclusion. He drew significant backlash after he met with Putin in July, when Trump noted Putin’s “powerful” denials of Russian interference.