Russian Intelligence on Clinton’s Health During 2016 Campaign

A newly declassified intelligence report has revealed that Russia allegedly possessed sensitive information regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s health during her 2016 presidential campaign against Donald Trump. According to the report, Russian intelligence was aware of Clinton’s “psycho-emotional problems” and her use of “heavy tranquillisers” for treatment. This information was reportedly considered “extraordinarily alarming” by then-President Barack Obama and Democratic Party leaders.

House Intelligence Committee Review Findings

The revelations are part of a September 18, 2020, House Intelligence Committee review examining Russia’s influence on the 2016 Presidential Election, which resulted in Donald Trump’s victory over Clinton. The document, based on interviews with at least 20 intelligence officers and a review of source material from the 2017 Obama-ordered report on Russian election interference, was declassified and made public by Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence.

Putin’s Decision Not to Release Information

The report indicates that Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of Clinton experiencing “uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness.” Despite possessing this potentially damaging information, Putin chose not to release it before the election, believing that Clinton would win. Instead, he planned to use it to weaken what Moscow anticipated as an inevitable Clinton presidency.

Health Concerns and Political Implications

Clinton was reportedly suffering from several health issues at the time, including “Type 2 diabetes, Ischemic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” The report suggests that senior Democratic leaders, including Obama, were concerned about the impact of Clinton’s health on her ability to compete against Trump. The state of her health was kept in “strictest secrecy,” with even close advisors not fully informed.

Allegations of Campaign Strategy

Additionally, the report mentions that Russian intelligence had information about a campaign email discussing a plan allegedly approved by Clinton to link Putin and Russian hackers to Trump. This strategy aimed to divert public attention from the Clinton email server scandal.