George W. Bush on Trump and Russia: ‘We all need answers’
Reporting from WASHINGTON — Former President George W. Bush said Monday “we all need answers†on the extent of contact between President Trump’s team and the Russian government, and he didn’t rule out the idea that a special prosecutor could be necessary to lead an investigation.
The Republican also defended the news media’s role in keeping leaders in check, noting that “power can be addictive,†and warned against immigration policies that could alienate Muslims.
“I am for an immigration policy that’s welcoming and upholds the law,†Bush said on NBC’s “Today†show.
Bush’s comments came after a prominent Republican in Congress, Rep. Darrell Issa of California, called for a special prosecutor to investigate whether Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and was in touch with Trump’s top advisors during the campaign.
Bush said he would trust Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard M. Burr (R-N.C.) to decide whether a special prosecutor is necessary.
But, Bush added, “I think we all need answers. I’m not sure the right avenue to take. I am sure, though, that that question needs to be answered.â€
The former president, who is promoting a book of his paintings of wounded veterans, also took issue with Trump’s characterization of the news media as an “enemy of the people.†Bush said the U.S. won’t be able to convince authoritarian governments, including Russia, to open up their governments to media scrutiny if U.S. leaders try to discredit their own press.
“We need an independent media to hold people like me to account,†Bush said. “Power can be very addictive, and it can be corrosive. And it’s important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power, whether it be here or elsewhere.â€
On the issue of immigration and Trump’s recent attempt to ban travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations, Bush warned that if the U.S. freezes out other countries and turns inward, that would only make it more difficult to fight Islamic State and other foreign extremists.
“I think it’s very hard to fight the war on terrorism if we’re in retreat,†he said.
ALSO
Politics speak at numerous volumes on Oscar night
This New York cow town loves Trump, but talking politics can get you tossed from the only bar
Whose news is fake? Here’s the latest in Trump’s war with the press
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
