The Gist

James Clapper: Yeah, Russia Swung the Election

Now that the former director of national intelligence is a private citizen, he’s making his opinion known.

James Clapper testifies before the Senate on Jan. 10, 2017, in Washington.
James Clapper testifies before the Senate on Jan. 10, 2017, in Washington.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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James Clapper was a senior intelligence adviser for both Republican and Democratic administrations. He was also part of the team that informed President-elect Donald Trump of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Now, as a private citizen, Clapper says he believes Russia actually swung the vote. “That’s why you write books,” says Clapper. “Because you can express your opinions freely. And I did.” His latest is Facts and Fears: Hard Truths From a Life in Intelligence.

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