Trump Denies Reports of Ignoring Russian-Ordered Killings of U.S. Troops

Claims Without Basis Through Tweets
White House and Intelligence Agencies Also Deny
Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers Emphasize "Truth Must Be Revealed"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump denied a New York Times (NYT) report that Russia had instructed the Taliban to kill U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan.

On the 28th (local time), President Trump tweeted, "No one told or reported to me, Vice President Mike Pence, or Chief of Staff Mark Meadows." He added, "Everyone denies it, and there have not been many attacks on us (U.S. troops). No one has been tougher on Russia than the Trump administration," while attacking his presidential rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

He also claimed, "The fake news NYT should reveal its anonymous source," and "(NYT) won't be able to do that. This person probably doesn't even exist."

John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), who oversees U.S. intelligence agencies, also stated in a statement the previous day, "Neither the President nor the Vice President has ever received a report related to the NYT report," adding, "The NYT report is inaccurate." The White House also denied the report in a statement.

The NYT report that sparked this controversy claimed that U.S. intelligence agencies had determined that Russia instructed the Taliban to kill U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan and paid them for it, reported this to President Trump, and that the National Security Council at the White House discussed it at the end of March but did not impose sanctions on Russia.

Despite denials from the White House and President Trump, political media outlet The Hill reported that the NYT stands by its report. The New York Times also stated in a follow-up report that President Trump was already aware of the matter through daily intelligence briefings.

If the NYT report is true, it would deal a serious blow to President Trump. Having already suffered damage early in his administration due to the Russia scandal, confirmation that he again sided with Russia could threaten the administration's survival and cause a huge shock in the presidential election.

The opposition Democratic Party immediately launched an offensive. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated in an interview with ABC that she intends to demand immediate reporting to the U.S. Congress.

The NYT also reported that Republican lawmakers such as Liz Cheney have called for the White House to explain the allegations, indicating that there are sensitive eyes watching this issue even within the Republican Party.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.