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Intelligence Officials Seek Probe of Trump's China Memo Claim

7/29/2026

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Steady State intelligence officials asked congressional intelligence committees and the CIA inspector general to investigate a CIA memo President Donald Trump cited.
Director Steven Cash said the note lacks author, date and sources and appears cherry-picked.
Trump said the memo proves China wanted him to lose the 2020 election and urged Department of Justice (DOJ) action, noting that the CIA declined comment and the White House would not reply.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 the Senate’s Church Committee, chaired by Idaho Senator Frank Church, uncovered CIA programs such as MK-ULTRA, COINTELPRO and Operation Mockingbird and learned it opened about 215,000 pieces of mail. The findings prompted President Gerald Ford to issue Executive Order 11905 banning political assassinations and to back Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. State’s request for a CIA memo review echoes that 1970s transparency drive.

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Story summary

Steady State intelligence officials asked congressional intelligence committees and the CIA inspector general to investigate a CIA memo President Donald Trump cited.
Director Steven Cash said the note lacks author, date and sources and appears cherry-picked.
Trump said the memo proves China wanted him to lose the 2020 election and urged Department of Justice (DOJ) action, noting that the CIA declined comment and the White House would not reply.

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