Breaking History BONUS | Eli Lake & Josh Hammer on Russiagate: Do the New Documents Support Treason?
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Jul 30, 2025 
Josh Hammer, a political commentator and attorney known for his center-right perspectives, joins the discussion on the controversial Russiagate documents. They dissect claims of treason related to Russian interference in the 2016 election and the implications of these revelations on public trust and government integrity. The conversation critiques key figures' roles and the politicization of intelligence, while advocating for a return to principled governance. Hammer emphasizes the importance of transparency and the long-lasting effects of media narratives on public perception.
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Complex Layers of Russiagate
- Russiagate involved multiple layers: Russian hacking, the Steele dossier, and intelligence politicization.
- The January 6, 2017 intelligence community assessment (ICA) played a key role in shaping the scandal narrative.
Steele Dossier Dismissed Internally
- Senior CIA analysts considered the Steele dossier to be unreliable and excluded it from key intelligence assessments.
- The House Intelligence Committee Republican report revealed this disagreement, which was hidden from the public initially.
Questioning Kremlin’s Candidate Preference
- Despite Russia's hacking and email leaks meant to damage Clinton, the intelligence community's claim of Kremlin preference for Trump lacks solid evidence.
- Analysts disputed that line in the ICA, calling into question its analytical integrity.
