Tillerson: Russia Interfered in 2016 Election, Russia Is Interfering Now, Not Much US Can Do About It

‘If It’s Their Intention to Interfere, They Are Going to Find Ways’ Says Tillerson

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election that put Donald Trump in the White House, and he says Russia is interfering in the 2018 midterm elections, but thinks there’s not much the U.S. can do about it.

After telling Fox News there are “a lot of way Russia can interfere in the elections,” and there are “a lot of different tools they can use,” Tillerson seemed unconcerned that Russia is interfering “in the U.S. in 2018.”

“I think it’s important we just continue to say to Russia, ‘Look, you think we don’t see what you’re doing. We do see it and you need to stop. If you don’t, you’re going to just continue to invite consequences for yourself,’” Tillerson offered as the only option to get Russia to stop interfering in U.S. elections.

Asked if America is in a better position to counter Russia’s actions, Tillerson told Fox News, “I don’t know that I would say we are better prepared, because the Russians will adapt as well.”

The Trump administration and the Republican-controlled Congress have taken no steps to prevent Russian election interference. President Trump has repeatedly denied Russia interfered in the U.S. election.

“The point is, if it’s their intention to interfere, they are going to find ways to do that,” the Secretary of State said. “We can take steps we can take but this is something that, once they decide they are going to do it, it’s very difficult to preempt it.”

That’s actually false. Even before he was elected president of France in 2017 Emmanuel Macron took decisive action to ensure his campaign was not affected by Russian attacks.

Tillerson is known to be a close friend of Russian president Vladimir Putin, and told Fox News he wants to improve the U.S.-Russia relationship.