President Trump delivered a primetime address on Thursday, asserting that China interfered in U.S. elections and that intelligence agencies concealed the activity.
He was joined by senior officials, including the CIA director, the acting director of national intelligence, the homeland security secretary, and the FBI director.
The speech followed reports that a White House task force would release declassified intelligence related to the 2020 election after a federal election office in Fulton County, Georgia, was searched earlier this year.
Several major broadcast networks declined to air the address. The president responded by calling for the revocation of their broadcasting licenses, alleging media participation in a cover-up.
Trump argued that the networks use public airwaves of substantial value without cost and said honesty in elections and reporting is required.
During the address, Trump cited claims of Chinese influence in the 2018 and 2020 elections, including efforts to identify and pay U.S. journalists to publish critical coverage.
He quoted intelligence reporting stating that in mid-2018, the Chinese Communist Party sought to leverage opposing elements to reduce his vote share and prevent his re-election.
The president said the activities included influencing midterm elections, swaying business leaders, and infiltrating media outlets.
Trump directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Justice Department, the FBI, and the CIA to investigate the withholding of records and pursue charges where warranted.
He stated that declassified election-related documents would be made public through official government channels.
