1. McConnell: 'The Russians are not our friends'
The Senate majority leader backed calls on Monday for a congressional review of Russia’s alleged interference in the election, telling reporters he “strongly condemns” foreign hacking.
McConnell backs congressional review
Summary
McConnell said the Senate intelligence committee was “more than capable of conducting a complete review”. But Senator Richard Burr, a Trump supporter and chairperson of that committee, has not committed to an actual investigation.
2. Earnest tags Trump
White House press secretary Josh Earnest suggested that Trump stood to gain from Russian skullduggery. “You didn’t need a security clearance to figure out who benefited from malicious Russian cyber-activity,” he said.
3. Electors demand intel
Ten members of the electoral college demanded information on any inquiries into Russia’s involvement in the US election. Among them: a Texas Republican who plans to vote against Trump, and Nancy Pelosi’s daughter.
... with support from Clinton campaign:
The bipartisan electors’ letter raises very grave issues involving our national security. Electors have a solemn responsibility under the Constitution and we support their efforts to have their questions addressed
– Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta
Summary
Here's the full Podesta statement pic.twitter.com/2mTRq2tFpZ
— Gabriel Debenedetti (@gdebenedetti) December 12, 2016
4. Meanwhile at Trump Tower ...
Trump met with former presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina, whom the president-elect is considering for director of national intelligence, according to the New York Times.
Summary
Fiorina said the pair talked about China and hacking – “whether it’s Chinese hacking or purported Russian hacking” – as well as the ability to “reset” things. Trump apparently also possesses one of Shaquille O’Neal’s shoes.
5. Trump’s recent picks
Trump nominated retired general John Kelly as secretary of homeland security.
Summary
The president-elect has yet to name his nominee for secretary of state, but the potential choice of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson earned praise from Russia.
‘He fulfills his responsibilities in a highly professional manner’
6. Recount rejected in Pennsylvania
A judge rejected Jill Stein’s request for an election recount and an examination of voting machines for evidence of hacking on Monday.
... and another thing:
"patrioteagle.flag says there's a child sex pizza dungeon!"
— Parker Molloy (@ParkerMolloy) December 10, 2016
"On it!"
"The CIA says Russia messed w/ the election!
"Some skepticism, please."
