U.S President Donald Trump has ordered US intelligence agencies to co-operate with an investigation into whether he was spied on during the 2016 election.
The probe, headed by Attorney General William Barr, is examining the origins of the Russia investigation.
It has long been requested by Trump, who often labels the inquiry into Russian interference a “witch hunt”.
On Thursday he announced a directive that gave Barr sweeping new powers, including to declassify documents.
Barr is already subject to intense scrutiny and criticism by Democrats – who have accused him of acting on the president’s behalf and not in the national interest.
The president has repeatedly suggested his campaign was spied on and accused intelligence agencies of abusing their power.
He has also said this could amount to “treason” and has suggested those involved should be criminally prosecuted.
In April, the attorney general told Congress that “spying did occur” on the Trump campaign, and said he wanted to ensure that any intelligence gathering had been legitimate.
Earlier this month Barr assigned a federal prosecutor to look at the origins of the Russia investigation. Trump has denied asking Barr to do so.
BBC
