WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Jimmy Carter is taking a swipe at the legitimacy of Donald Trumpβs presidency, saying Russian interference in the 2016 election was responsible for putting Trump in the White House.
The 94-year-old former U.S. president said Friday that he believes Russiaβs meddling βif fully investigated would show that Trump didnβt actually win the election in 2016.β Carter said he believes Trump βlost the electionβ and became president βbecause the Russians interfered on his behalf.β
Carter made the remarks during a panel discussion at a retreat in Leesburg, Virginia, for donors to the Carter Center. It was broadcast by CSPAN .
Panel moderator and historian Jon Meacham asked Carter if he believed Trump was βan illegitimate president.β
Carter replied: βBased on what I just said, which I canβt retract, Iβd say yes.β
