Latest news with #SusanMiller
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gabbard Is Lying About Obama and Russian Intel: Top CIA Officer
A former CIA officer who helped investigate Russian election interference denied Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's claim that the Obama administration cooked up intelligence on Russia to undermine Trump's 2016 election win. 'The director of national intelligence and the White House are lying again,' said CIA veteran Susan Miller. 'We definitely had the intel to show with high probability that the specific goal of the Russians was to get Trump elected.' Miller was one of three officers commissioned to assemble the 2019 Mueller report, also known as the 'Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election.' In investigating 'sound' intelligence on inference claims, Miller told CNN's Kaitlan Collins that they were simply directed to 'look at the data.' 'Did anyone from the president, the CIA director at the time—anyone—did anyone tell you what conclusion to receive, to reach, when you [were] putting this report together?' she asked. 'Absolutely not,' said Miller, who has served nine times overseas in the CIA before becoming the agency's chief of counterintelligence. If there had been any pressure, Miller said she would have promptly resigned. She added, 'And I can guarantee, the other three members of my team would have quit too. They are just righteous people.' Responding to the Trump administration's praise of Gabbard and the dismissal of the Mueller report's findings as a 'total hoax,' Miller called it 'wrong in every single way.' 'What Tulsi is saying is we only want to hear anything that's pro-Trump, pro-Trump policy, pro-this, pro-current Republican Party, from any of our intel services. And if we hear anything that's not that? Then we're going to come after you,' Miller said. 'We looked at everything, and we're being now told that we somehow did it wrong.' Gabbard released a report on July 18 claiming that the Obama administration manufactured the 'Russia hoax,' calling it a 'treasonous conspiracy.' When the impact of that report seemed to fizzle in MAGA's social circles, the intelligence director followed up with a series of infographics on social media that seemed to cast more confusion over her claims. Despite a scathing rebuke from former President Obama himself, Gabbard has since tripled down on her claims. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, she told reporters who questioned inconsistencies in her report that they were doing a 'disservice' to America. Notably, Gabbard's 'evidence' contradicts a massive bipartisan 2020 Senate Intelligence Committee report that came to the same conclusion as the Mueller report, finding that Russia had 'engaged in an aggressive, multi-faceted effort to influence, or attempt to influence, the outcome of the 2016 presidential election' in Trump's favor. Miller explained the impetus behind the Russia investigation in the Friday interview. 'We received some information that was corroborated that the Russians were trying to influence the election on the part of—on the part of Trump—towards Trump, towards the Republican Party and Trump,' Miller said. 'We took it very seriously, because Russians meddling in our election process is a pretty ugly thing to do, and we have to assess it and look at it.' After the assessment, 'We could determine that, 100 percent, the Russians were trying to influence the election. And we wrote the paper, basically saying that,' Miller said. However, Miller said what they could not determine was how successful the efforts were. 'Unless we poll every voter as to why they voted, we can't tell you if that worked. And therefore, from our perspective, Trump is our president. And we just left it at that,' Miller said. The Daily Beast has contacted White House representatives for a response to Miller's statements.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Each Zodiac Sign Secretly Sabotages Their Own Relationship
In the complex world of relationships, it's easy to point fingers and blame external factors for why things might not be going smoothly. However, sometimes the issues stem from within. Many people, unknowingly influenced by their zodiac signs, might be getting in their own way. If you're curious whether your sign could be affecting your love life, read on. This guide unpacks how each zodiac sign might secretly sabotage their relationships. 1. Aries: The Impulsive Reactor Aries, your fiery nature can be a double-edged sword. You're passionate and driven, but sometimes that intensity leads to impulsive decisions that might not always be in your best interest. In relationships, your spontaneous reactions can come off as unpredictable and unsettling for your partner. You may leap before you look, causing unnecessary drama. According to astrologer Susan Miller, this impulsiveness can often lead to misunderstandings that could have been avoided with a little patience. Your need to be first can sometimes overshadow your partner's needs, which can create tension. It's not always about winning the argument, but about finding a balance where both parties feel heard. Take a moment to breathe before reacting, and consider how your actions might be perceived. Remember, relationships are a marathon, not a sprint. Small adjustments in your approach can prevent unnecessary conflict. 2. Taurus: The Stubborn Protector Taurus, your steadfast nature is both a blessing and a curse. You value stability and are often the rock in your relationships. However, your reluctance to adapt can lead to friction. When change is necessary, your instinct might be to dig in your heels and resist, inadvertently creating a divide. This stubbornness can make your partner feel like their needs and perspectives are secondary. Your protective nature, while well-intentioned, can sometimes come across as controlling. It's important to recognize that your partner needs space to grow and change. Allowing for flexibility doesn't mean compromising your values, but rather expanding them. By doing this, you create a more harmonious environment. When you embrace change, you strengthen your bond with your partner. 3. Gemini: The Overthinker Gemini, your mind is always racing with thoughts and possibilities. You love analyzing situations from every angle, but this can lead to overthinking in relationships. When faced with minor issues, your tendency to dissect every detail can escalate a small problem into a major ordeal. According to psychologist Dr. Tara Fields, overthinking can lead to unnecessary stress and strain on relationships. It prevents you from enjoying the present moment. Instead of focusing on uncertainties, try embracing the unknown with optimism. Your lively nature thrives on spontaneity, but constant analysis can dampen that spirit. Balance your analytical tendencies with moments of carefree enjoyment. Trust in your partner and the strength of your relationship. By letting go of the need to control every outcome, you open the door to deeper connections. 4. Cancer: The Emotional Sponge Cancer, your emotional depth is one of your greatest attributes, but it can also be a source of complication. You have a natural tendency to absorb the emotions around you, which can sometimes lead to emotional overwhelm. In relationships, this means you may take on not only your own feelings but also those of your partner, leading to emotional exhaustion. This can cause you to retreat into your shell at times when your partner needs you most. Your nurturing instincts are admirable, but they can sometimes be overbearing. It's important to maintain healthy emotional boundaries. By doing so, you create space for your partner to express their feelings without feeling overshadowed by yours. Practice self-care and allow yourself time to recharge emotionally. This balance will create a more stable and fulfilling relationship for both you and your partner. 5. Leo: The Spotlight Seeker Leo, your charisma and presence are undeniable. You thrive in the spotlight and have a natural ability to draw people in. However, in relationships, your need for attention can sometimes overshadow your partner's needs. According to relationship coach Mike Goldstein, Leos may inadvertently make their partners feel like supporting actors in their own lives. This can create resentment if your partner feels undervalued or overlooked. To avoid this, make sure to share the stage with your significant other. Celebrate their achievements and acknowledge their needs with the same enthusiasm you do for your own. By doing so, you create a partnership where both parties shine in their own right. Remember, true love is about mutual admiration and support. When you elevate your partner, you elevate the relationship as a whole. 6. Virgo: The Perfectionist Virgo, your attention to detail and commitment to excellence are admirable traits. However, in relationships, your pursuit of perfection can be a stumbling block. You may hold both yourself and your partner to impossibly high standards, leading to frustration and disappointment. This can create an environment where your partner feels they can't ever measure up. Remember, love isn't about perfection, but about accepting each other's flaws. Your critical nature, while well-intentioned, can sometimes come across as nitpicking. It's important to balance your desire for improvement with acceptance and understanding. Acknowledge the small victories and progress in the relationship. By focusing on growth rather than perfection, you create a more nurturing environment. Embrace the imperfections that make your relationship unique. 7. Libra: The People-Pleaser Libra, your desire for harmony and balance is a beautiful trait. You go out of your way to ensure peace in your relationships, but sometimes this can lead to neglecting your own needs. By constantly putting others first, you risk losing your identity and voice in the process. Psychologist Dr. John Gottman notes that people-pleasing can lead to resentment if not managed properly. This can create an imbalance where your needs are consistently sidelined. To maintain a healthy relationship, it's essential to assert your own needs and desires. This doesn't mean creating conflict, but rather finding a balance between your partner's needs and your own. Practice open communication and express your thoughts and feelings honestly. By doing so, you foster a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. Remember, a balanced relationship is one where both partners thrive. 8. Scorpio: The Intense Investigator Scorpio, your depth of emotion and passion is unparalleled. However, your tendency to delve deep can sometimes create tension in relationships. Your need to uncover every secret and motive can be overwhelming for your partner. This relentless pursuit of truth, while driven by a desire for authenticity, can come off as mistrust. It's important to find a balance between your intense curiosity and respecting your partner's privacy. Your suspicion and desire for control can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Trust is a crucial component of any healthy relationship. Practice letting go and allowing your partner the freedom to express themselves. This builds a foundation of trust and respect that strengthens your bond. Embrace vulnerability and open your heart to the possibility of love without guarantees. 9. Sagittarius: The Restless Explorer Sagittarius, your adventurous spirit is infectious. You crave new experiences and are always seeking the next big adventure. However, in relationships, this restlessness can be perceived as a lack of commitment or stability. Your partner may feel insecure if they think you have one foot out the door. It's important to reassure your partner of your intentions and dedication. Your love for freedom can sometimes overshadow your partner's need for security. Finding a balance between exploration and commitment is key to a successful relationship. While it's important to pursue your passions, it's equally important to nurture the relationship. Communication is crucial; express your love and commitment openly. This reassures your partner and strengthens your connection. 10. Capricorn: The Ambitious Climber Capricorn, your drive and determination are inspiring traits. You set high goals and work tirelessly to achieve them. However, in relationships, your ambition can sometimes lead to a work-life imbalance. Your partner may feel neglected if your focus is solely on career and personal achievements. It's crucial to prioritize your relationship alongside your ambitions. Your practicality and focus on the future may sometimes overshadow the present. Remember to take time to appreciate and enjoy moments with your partner. By doing so, you create lasting memories and strengthen your bond. Balance your goals with quality time together. This ensures that your relationship thrives alongside your personal achievements. 11. Aquarius: The Detached Thinker Aquarius, your innovative mind and unique perspective are valuable assets. You approach relationships with a desire for intellectual connection and shared ideals. However, your tendency to detach emotionally can create distance between you and your partner. They may feel like you prioritize ideas over emotional intimacy. It's important to bridge the gap between intellect and emotion in your relationships. Your independent nature is admirable, but it can sometimes come across as aloofness. Make an effort to show your partner that you care through emotional expression. Engage in conversations that foster emotional connection and understanding. By doing so, you create a well-rounded relationship that satisfies both your intellectual and emotional needs. This balance enriches your relationship and deepens your bond. 12. Pisces: The Dreamy Escapist Pisces, your imaginative and empathetic nature is a gift. You view the world through a lens of creativity and compassion, but sometimes this can lead to escapism in relationships. When faced with challenges, your instinct might be to retreat into your dream world rather than confront issues head-on. This can create a disconnect with your partner who may feel left out. It's important to balance your dreamy nature with grounded communication. Your empathy is a strength, but sometimes it can lead to emotional overload. It's crucial to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being. Engage in open and honest communication with your partner about your needs and feelings. This fosters a deeper understanding and connection. By facing challenges together, you strengthen your relationship and create a more fulfilling partnership. Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Retired CIA official rebuts Gabbard's claims about US intelligence on Russian election interference
Retired CIA official Susan Miller, an author of the agency's 2017 intelligence report on Russian election meddling, is vowing to fight any potential criminal charges brought by the Trump administration. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has accused the Obama administration of manufacturing the intelligence report, which assessed that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump, and said she made criminal referrals to the Justice Department. 'My team and I, just yesterday, had a few drinks and talked about that, and talked about what lawyers we'd be looking for, if that happens,' Miller told CNN's Kaitlan Collins on 'The Source' on Friday. 'But I'll do it. I'll fight, I'll fight to the end,' she added. Pushing back against Gabbard's accusations, Miller said that no one – including then-President Barack Obama or then-CIA Director John Brennan – had told her team what conclusion to reach in their report. 'Absolutely not,' she said. She added that she and her team would have quit if they had faced such pressure. Miller said the intelligence that helped them reach their conclusion 'was extremely sound and it was verified.' Miller also said her team briefed Trump at the time. She went on to say that the report's findings were 'not at all' based on the so-called Steele dossier, which was included as an addendum. The infamous dossier was written by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, and funded by Hillary Clinton's campaign. It alleged coordination between the Russian government and people associated with the Trump campaign, though its ultimate credibility was limited. While Miller's team 'could determine that 100%' Russia tried to influence the 2016 election, it's indeterminable whether Moscow's efforts worked, Miller said. 'But the bottom line is, yes, they tried to influence it. No, unless we poll every voter as to why they voted, we can't tell you if that worked. And therefore, from our perspective, Trump is our president. And we just left it at that,' she told CNN. In a statement, the White House praised Gabbard and described the 2017 intelligence report and its findings as a 'total hoax and political witch hunt to snub President Trump's historic first term in office.' 'I think it is wrong in every single way,' Miller told CNN in response and warned of Gabbard's attacks against the report and its findings. 'What Tulsi is saying is: 'We only want to hear anything that's pro-Trump, pro-Trump policy … pro-current Republican Party from any of our intel services, and if we hear anything that's not that, then we're going to come after you.' And that's what it feels like. And so, what analyst wants to put his or her, their name on any paper now?' she said. Miller said she and her team told the truth and the information was well sourced. 'We looked at everything, and we're being now told that we somehow did it wrong, we didn't have analysts involved, when three of my team were analysts. We had rigorous analytic reviews by our then-head of analysis. And it just, it doesn't make sense to me. It just doesn't. It really is sad.' CNN's Alejandra Jaramillo and Jeremy Herb contributed to this report.
CNN
4 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Retired CIA official rebuts Gabbard's claims about US intelligence on Russian election interference
Retired CIA official Susan Miller, an author of the agency's 2017 intelligence report on Russian election meddling, is vowing to fight any potential criminal charges brought by the Trump administration. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has accused the Obama administration of manufacturing the intelligence report, which assessed that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump, and said she made criminal referrals to the Justice Department. 'My team and I, just yesterday, had a few drinks and talked about that, and talked about what lawyers we'd be looking for, if that happens,' Miller told CNN's Kaitlan Collins on 'The Source' on Friday. 'But I'll do it. I'll fight, I'll fight to the end,' she added. Pushing back against Gabbard's accusations, Miller said that no one – including then-President Barack Obama or then-CIA Director John Brennan – had told her team what conclusion to reach in their report. 'Absolutely not,' she said. She added that she and her team would have quit if they had faced such pressure. Miller said the intelligence that helped them reach their conclusion 'was extremely sound and it was verified.' Miller also said her team briefed Trump at the time. She went on to say that the report's findings were 'not at all' based on the so-called Steele dossier, which was included as an addendum. The infamous dossier was written by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, and funded by Hillary Clinton's campaign. It alleged coordination between the Russian government and people associated with the Trump campaign, though its ultimate credibility was limited. While Miller's team 'could determine that 100%' Russia tried to influence the 2016 election, it's indeterminable whether Moscow's efforts worked, Miller said. 'But the bottom line is, yes, they tried to influence it. No, unless we poll every voter as to why they voted, we can't tell you if that worked. And therefore, from our perspective, Trump is our president. And we just left it at that,' she told CNN. In a statement, the White House praised Gabbard and described the 2017 intelligence report and its findings as a 'total hoax and political witch hunt to snub President Trump's historic first term in office.' 'I think it is wrong in every single way,' Miller told CNN in response and warned of Gabbard's attacks against the report and its findings. 'What Tulsi is saying is: 'We only want to hear anything that's pro-Trump, pro-Trump policy … pro-current Republican Party from any of our intel services, and if we hear anything that's not that, then we're going to come after you.' And that's what it feels like. And so, what analyst wants to put his or her, their name on any paper now?' she said. Miller said she and her team told the truth and the information was well sourced. 'We looked at everything, and we're being now told that we somehow did it wrong, we didn't have analysts involved, when three of my team were analysts. We had rigorous analytic reviews by our then-head of analysis. And it just, it doesn't make sense to me. It just doesn't. It really is sad.' CNN's Alejandra Jaramillo and Jeremy Herb contributed to this report.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gabbard and White House 'lying' about intel on Russian interference in 2016, ex-CIA official says
The former senior CIA officer who helped oversee the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russia's interference in the 2016 election says Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and the White House are 'lying' when they claim that it was an attempt to sabotage President Donald Trump. Susan Miller, a retired CIA officer who helped lead the team that produced the report about Russia's actions during the 2016 campaign, told NBC News it was based on credible information that showed Moscow sought to help Trump win the election, but that there was no sign of a conspiracy between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign. 'The director of national intelligence and the White House are lying, again,' Miller said. 'We definitely had the intel to show with high probability that the specific goal of the Russians was to get Trump elected.' She added: 'At the same time, we found no two-way collusion between Trump or his team with the Russians at that time.' Miller spoke to NBC News after Gabbard alleged Wednesday that the 2017 intelligence assessment was based on 'manufactured' information as part of a 'treasonous conspiracy' by the Obama administration to undermine Trump and tarnish his electoral victory. Gabbard cited a 2020 report from Republicans on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, which she declassified and released this week, that asserted there was insufficient information to conclude Russia had been trying to tip the scales in favor of Trump. Miller said 'it is clear that Trump and his followers have a script they want to follow, despite the facts.' She said that when her team briefed Trump and others about their assessment in 2017, they made clear there was no way to gauge the impact of the Russian information warfare on the vote, and that Trump was the country's lawful commander in chief. 'Both me and my team readily acknowledged — to Trump and others in the USG [U.S. government] we briefed — that we could not say if this attempt by the Russians actually worked unless someone polled every single Trump voter to see if this disinformation was what led them to vote for Trump,' she said. 'Both my team and I and DCIA [the director of the CIA] said clearly in our report to Trump himself and to the intel committees [in Congress] that Trump was our president,' Miller said. Trump thanked the CIA director for the briefing, Miller said. 'That part was left out by Gabbard,' Miller said. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence dismissed Miller's comments. 'Susan is wrong. And the American people can read for themselves hundreds of reasons why she is wrong in the declassified HPSCI report,' said ODNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman, referring to the 2020 Republican House intelligence report. The Republican House report was emphatically rejected at the time by Democratic lawmakers on the panel. But a bipartisan Senate probe released the same year endorsed the intelligence agencies' assessment that Russia had spread disinformation and leaked stolen emails from the Democratic party to undermine Hillary Clinton's candidacy and bolster Trump's prospects. Trump's current secretary of state, Marco Rubio, was the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee at the time and endorsed the conclusions of the panel's report. When asked about Miller's defense of the intelligence assessment, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said: 'Director Gabbard declassified documents in the name of transparency to show the world that the Obama administration was indeed behind the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. Those who participated in criminal activity will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.' The CIA declined to comment. 'Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response,' Patrick Rodenbush, a spokesman for former President Barack Obama, said in a statement this week. 'But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.' In advance of the 2016 election, intelligence reporting indicated Russia was trying to influence the election with disinformation, Miller said. After the vote, John Brennan — who was CIA director at the time and is now a paid NBC News and MSNBC contributor — asked her to put together a task force that would rigorously examine Russia's role in the election. Miller, who served nine tours abroad with CIA during her 39-year career, was head of agency counterintelligence at the time. She said she put together a team with a range of skills and expertise, including analysts and officers working in counterintelligence. As they began their work on the assessment, Miller said, she and the rest of her team were keenly aware of the polarized political climate in the country in the aftermath of the election. They were facing pressure from officials both inside and outside the CIA. 'There were people that hated Trump that wanted us to find that Trump was complicit. And there were those that loved Trump. They wanted us to find nothing. And we ignored all of it,' Miller said. 'We just kept ourselves neutral,' she added. 'We just decided to let the data speak for itself. ... We had very, very good data coming in.' Brennan did not pressure or micromanage the task force, she said. Gabbard, current CIA Director John Ratcliffe and the White House have accused Brennan of fabricating intelligence about the 2016 election to undermine Trump. Brennan has rejected the allegations as 'baseless.' The task force examined every possible angle, Miller said, including whether Trump and his campaign somehow conspired with the Kremlin to skew the election outcome. They did not find intelligence to support that scenario, she said. After sifting through all the intelligence and publicly available information, the team concluded that Russia had waged a large-scale information warfare campaign to undermine America's democratic process, damage Hillary Clinton's candidacy and boost Trump's chances. 'The paper was multiple pages long, but the summary of it is 100% they tried to influence the election, and 100% we can't say if it worked unless we polled every voter,' Miller said. When the assessment was wrapping up and a draft was being edited, then-FBI Director James Comey asked that the report include a dossier about Trump by a former British intelligence officer, Christopher Steele, according to Miller and a Senate report from 2020, which cited accounts from multiple officials, including Comey and Brennan. The dossier featured unverified allegations about Trump that had not been corroborated by U.S. intelligence agencies, and CIA officials argued against adding references to the dossier in the report. 'We had already written the paper and it was going through edits,' Miller said. The FBI's stance annoyed Miller. Her view was that 'we can't just shove this in' to the assessment at such a late stage and that 'it's going to take us another six months to go and try to figure out if this is true,' she said. But the FBI insisted that if the dossier were not included, the bureau would withdraw and not endorse the intelligence assessment, according to Miller. 'The FBI said that 'unless you tag it onto the end of it, then we're not going to sign off on this,'' she said. In the end, the CIA and the FBI worked out a compromise. The dossier was included in an annex to the assessment, with a disclaimer that the claims in the file had not been verified by the intelligence community. Comey could not be reached for comment. Later on during the first Trump administration, Miller was called up to the general counsel's office at the CIA. There, she said, an agency lawyer told her she was facing possible criminal charges over her role leading the assessment. Miller assumed it was a joke. 'I laughed out loud.' But it was not. Miller decided to hire a lawyer, though it was unclear what potential criminal charge was in play. The administration eventually used a special counsel, John Durham, to investigate how the previous administration had handled probes into Russian election interference and the Trump campaign. Durham's team questioned Miller for hours. They asked her questions about whether she had an anti-Republican bias that influenced how the assessment was written, Miller said. 'I was answering questions like, 'Tell us how you hate all Republicans, and that's why you wrote this paper.' Actually, if you look at my registration, I'm a Republican.' Miller was never charged with any crime and she said she was never disciplined in any way over the intelligence assessment. She retired during the Biden administration after 39 years with the CIA. Earlier this month, Ratcliffe declassified an internal 'lessons learned' review looking at how the intelligence assessment was drafted. The internal review found that some standard procedures were not followed and that the report was rushed, but did not question the conclusions of the assessment. Miller said no one at the CIA contacted her for the internal review. The CIA declined to comment. Nine years since the 2016 election, Russia is likely pleased to see yet more political acrimony in Washington over what transpired, according to Miller. 'Putin and his BFFs in the Kremlin are toasting vodka shots as we speak at the turmoil this is creating,' she said. This article was originally published on
