Alina Habba, an adviser and attorney for Donald Trump, attempted to deflect allegations that Russia had paid right-wing influencers by suggesting a connection between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Habba made the claim during a Sunday interview on Fox News with host Jason Chaffetz, who expressed doubts about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) assertions regarding Russian payments to conservative podcasters.
Chaffetz voiced skepticism, stating, “It’s not just that the Department of Justice is saying, oh, Russia, Russia, Russia again. I don’t know that I trust them because they’ve spun this in such a way to push the voters in the past that these people are all for Donald Trump.” He added, “And it’s just, I don’t know that I trust them. What about you?”
Habba responded by questioning the credibility of the DOJ, given her role as Trump’s attorney. “You’re asking me if I trust the Department of Justice?” she asked. “I represent Donald Trump. There’s nobody who’s been more persecuted in the last three and a half years in an attempt to interfere in the election, I assure you, Jason.”
She went on to criticize the media and DOJ for what she called the “Russia, Russia, Russia hoax” from the 2016 election, dismissing the new allegations of Russian influence. “A $10 million payment to some podcasters who had no idea, from some ties allegedly to Russia, is now going to try and make a spin on Russia backing Trump,” Habba argued.
In an unexpected turn, Habba shifted the conversation to Harris, claiming, “Well, the last I heard, Putin announced that he was backing Kamala Harris and her, quote, infectious laugh.” Her statement appeared to reference a joke made by Putin, as noted by the Associated Press when he humorously claimed to endorse Harris the previous week.
Habba concluded by cautioning Americans about where they obtain their news, saying, “I think Americans really need to be wary about where they get their news. That’s why, frankly, I trust you and others that I know will get the right news out there.” The Associated Press later confirmed that Putin’s supposed endorsement of Harris was made in jest, but Habba’s remarks highlight the continued tensions and allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections.