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Eli Lake

Devin Nunes and the Tragedy of the Russia Inquiry

The House intelligence chairman misled the public about his sources on Trump and Russia. Now his important cause is undermined.
Devin Nunes hurt his own cause.

Devin Nunes hurt his own cause.

Photographer: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Last week, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Representative Devin Nunes, announced dozens of intelligence reports that inappropriately included details on President Donald Trump's transition. This week, he told me that his source for that information was an intelligence official, not a White House staffer.

It turns out, he misled me. The New York Times reported Thursday that Nunes had two sources, and both worked for the White House. This distinction is important because it raises questions about the independence of the congressional investigation Nunes is leading, which may lead to officials at the White House.