SecDef Mattis: ‘Yes, I Believe’ Russia Meddled in 2016 Election

Asked Friday whether he believes the Russian government meddled with the 2016 presidential election, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis reportedly replied: “Yes, I believe they did.” The comment comes in contradiction of President Trump, who has at times called the reports of Kremlin interference to be a “hoax,” a “made-up story,” or has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin when he denies his government did any such thing (despite all the evidence to the contrary).