Clapper: ‘No doubt’ Russia is the reason Trump won

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper writes in his new book that he has “no doubt” Russians swung the 2016 presidential election to President Trump. 

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow read an excerpt from Clapper’s new book, “Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence,” during her Tuesday night show. 

“Of course the Russian effort affected the outcome. Surprising even themselves, they swung the election to a Trump win. To conclude otherwise stretches logic, common sense, and credulity to the breaking point,” Maddow read from Clapper’s book.

“Less than 80,000 votes in three key states swung the election,” the excerpt continues. “I have no doubt that more votes than that were influenced by this massive effort by the Russians.” {mosads}

Clapper’s book was released on Tuesday. Clapper said he didn’t plan on writing a book but changed his mind because of Trump’s presidency. 

His book details the time leading up to and following the 2016 election, with a focus on Russia’s election interference.

The intelligence community concluded shortly after the 2016 presidential election that Russian-liked groups attempted to sway the presidential election in favor of Trump. Intelligence officials did not come to a conclusion, however, as to whether or not Russian meddling efforts were successful.