WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Jimmy Carter is taking a swipe at the legitimacy of Donald Trumpโs 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 Russiaโs meddling โif fully investigated would show that Trump didnโt actually win the election in 2016.โ Carter said he believes Trump โlost the electionโ and became president โbecause the Russians interfered on his behalf.โ
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 โan illegitimate president.โ
Carter replied: โBased on what I just said, which I canโt retract, Iโd say yes.โ
