US to release 'dozens of Russian transcripts' linked to 2016 elections

The intelligence community has completed a long-delayed review of transcripts connected to the House Republican-led investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, a development that could reignite the furor over the long-dormant probe, Politico reported.

Ric Grenell, President Donald Trump's acting director of national intelligence, informed lawmakers this week in newly disclosed correspondence that the White House has dropped its demand to review aspects of the testimony, which had led to a yearlong standoff with Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, who took control of the committee last year.

The move paves the way for as many as 53 transcripts from that investigation to be released publicly, more than two years after the probe concluded.

“After more than a year of unnecessary delay, the ODNI has finally concluded its protracted classification review of the Committee’s transcripts, and it also appears the White House has now abandoned its improper insistence on reviewing key transcripts, which the Committee appropriately rejected," a House Intelligence Committee spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman indicated that the panel would be reviewing the intelligence community’s proposed redactions: “Our review of ODNI’s newly proposed redactions will be as expeditious as possible given the constraints of the pandemic, and we look forward to releasing these transcripts, which relate to misconduct by the Trump campaign and the president himself.” Aides to Grenell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.