© Brian Snyder / Reuters
On Monday morning, in advance of the first public hearing related to the investigation of Russian ties to President Trump’s 2016 campaign, the commander in chief wrote a series of tweets addressing the “FAKE NEWS” that he said was “made up” by Democrats. “James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia. This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!” he wrote. “The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost!” Trump sent the tweets just a few hours before FBI Director James Comey will be called before legislators in the House Intelligence Committee. Comey is also expected to address Trump’s allegation that President Obama had wiretapped his phones at Trump Tower during the campaign. Members of the committee on both sides of the aisle have addressed the wiretapping claims, including Chairman Devin Nunes (R-CA), who said Sunday, “Was there a physical wiretap of Trump Tower? No. It never happened.” National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers will also testify before the committee on Monday. “I hope that we can put an end to this wild goose chase because what the president said was just patently false,” said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who also sits on the panel.