Allegations without proof made by The New York Times in a Friday report, that Russia offered a reward to Taliban-linked militants for each US soldier killed, have caused waves in both parties, as Republicans point to a lack of evidence and credibility for the claims while Democrats weaponize the accusations against US President Donald Trump.
Several top GOP Senators have expressed skepticism for media claims that Russia offered Taliban militants bounties for assassinating US troops, outlining that the allegations lack accuracy. Senator Joni Ernst, speaking to reporters on Tuesday after a Republican briefing in the White House on the “bounties”, called the reports “absolutely inaccurate”.
She suggested that Democrats are exaggerating and “politicizing” the matter.
Her comments were echoed by Acting Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, who noted that media reports on classified information are “often inaccurate”, but chose not to blame reporters or elaborate on his opinion.
Senator Todd Young was less indulgent in commenting on the claims, insisting that media reports had relied on “unverified and inconclusive” intelligence, as Armed Services Committee Chairman James Inhofe assured reporters on Capitol Hill that he is convinced that Trump was not informed about the alleged bounties.
Democrats Attacking Trump Over Bounties Claims
Some Democrats have continued to attack Trump over the unproven claims after their own briefing on…
