Western New York's congressional delegation is reacting to a chain of emails released by President Trump's eldest son that show him discussing plans to hear damaging information on then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
In a statement Tuesday, Donald Trump Jr. said he was posting the emails "in order to be totally transparent." A story including the emails was released minutes later by The New York Times.
The email exchange with music publicist Rob Goldstone show that Trump Jr. was told the Russian government had information that could "incriminate" Clinton and her dealings with Russia.
"If it's what you say I love it," Trump Jr. replies.
Republican Congressman Chris Collins, a Trump surrogate, released a statement to 7 Eyewitness News Tuesday afternoon saying, "Donald Trump Jr. has done the right thing by releasing emails concerning the meeting he had with a Russian national. In addition, he has said he will cooperate with the myriad of investigations looking into Russian impact on our elections process. As I've said all along, I will await the conclusion of these various investigations and we have all the facts before making a rush to any judgement."
Democratic Congressman Brian Higgins also released a statement in response to the emails, saying "For months the Trump Administration, family and associates have denied Russian involvement in the U.S. election and any coordination on their part. The emails released today by The New York Times and Donald Trump, Jr. himself demonstrate that was completely untrue. Clearly, the President's son knew of Russia's interest in getting involved in the U.S. election and eagerly took the bait, participating in discussions with foreign operatives wishing to interfere in our election. Facts matter, the truth matters, and protecting the democracy that this great nation was founded on certainly matters. This is bigger than the outcome of one election. Actions by those closes to the President have put the free and fair elections we treasure in the United States at risk and these deliberate dealings must be taken seriously."
