U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is joining a chorus of Congressional delegates concerned over alleged Russian interference with the 2016 election.
The Oregon Democrat says he’s been working to have intelligence documents declassified that could inform hearings as to what extent Russians factored into Donald Trump’s upset victory last month.
"I think that it’s very important to bring the facts out from the shadows and get this information declassified," Wyden tells KLCC.
"There ought to be open hearings particularly now we have seen in last day or so, some of the President-elect’s allies really spinning some very far-fetched conspiracy theories about what happened.”
Trump has dismissed the allegations. And right-wing news agency Breitbart says it’s an example of liberal “fake news” that is inconclusive.
Wyden is also wary of Trump’s potential pick for Secretary of State: Rex Tillerson.
While not yet confirmed as the President-elect’s choice, suggestions that the ExxonMobil CEO could be assuming one of the top positions in the nation has Democrats like Wyden concerned, especially given the businessman’s history with Russia.
Tillerson managed the fuel giant’s Russia accounts, and Vladimir Putin awarded Tillerson the Order of Friendship award in 2013.
“Certainly what sounds like a very close relationship that Mr. Tillerson has with Mr. Putin is something that ought to be examined very thoroughly and very carefully before that nomination goes forward," says Wyden.
Russia has already praised the idea of Tillerson becoming the next Secretary of State, even as American intelligence agencies say there may have been covert Russian influence in Trump’s presidential win.
Wyden was in Eugene today helping deliver meals for FOOD for Lane County.
