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Trump Releases Declassified Files: Putin Led Russian Biden Smear Campaign

7/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump released declassified files showing Russian officials, not China, led a campaign to tarnish Joe Biden’s reputation.
The documents name Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials as overseeing proxy efforts to spread Burisma allegations about Biden.
Analysts Sam Stein and Will Sommer said the release confirms Russian meddling and refutes Trump’s claim of Chinese interference.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump released declassified files showing Russian officials, not China, led a campaign to tarnish Joe Biden’s reputation.
The documents name Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials as overseeing proxy efforts to spread Burisma allegations about Biden.
Analysts Sam Stein and Will Sommer said the release confirms Russian meddling and refutes Trump’s claim of Chinese interference.