In response to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying that Russia is already trying to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections, and suggesting this administration will do nothing to prevent it, DNC deputy communications director Adrienne Watson released the following statement:

“Trump has spent the last year taking Putin’s side against his own national security agencies by questioning whether Russia attacked our democracy. Last week, Trump gave Russia another pass by refusing to issue sanctions as directed by Congress. Now, the Trump administration appears to be suggesting that there is nothing we can do to stop future Kremlin efforts to influence our elections.

“It’s clear that Trump has no intention of holding Russia accountable for their interference in our democracy – and these latest actions effectively invite them to do it again. Trump swore an oath to protect this country, but it’s clear he’s willing to break that oath as long as our enemies are working on his behalf.”