Jimmy Carter: Trump Became President "Because The Russians Interfered On His Behalf"

Former President Jimmy Carter

Speaking at the Carter Center's retreat in Leesburg, Virginia, on Friday, former President Jimmy Carter told the crowd he believes a full investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election would reveal that Donald Trump did not indeed win the presidency.

"There's no doubt that the Russians did interfere in the election," said Carter. "And I think the interference, although not yet quantified, if fully investigated would show that Trump didn't actually win the election in 2016. He lost the election and he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf."

When the moderator inquired if he believes Trump is an illegitimate president, Carter replied, "Based on what I just said, which I can't retract."

Jimmy Carter: "[Trump] lost the election and he was put in office because the Russians interfered on his behalf."

"So do you believe president Trump is an illegitimate president?"

Jimmy Carter: "Based on what I just said, which I can't retract..." pic.twitter.com/1PoM6BbDln

— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) June 28, 2019