Trump orders new powers for Attorney General's surveillance probe:

US President Donald Trump has ordered United States of America intelligence agencies to co-operate with an investigation into whether or not he was spied on during the 2016 election.

The probe, headed by attorney General William Barr, is examining the origins of the Russia investigation.

It has long been requested by Mr Trump, who often labels the inquiry into Russian interference a "witch hunt".

On Thursday he announced a directive that gave Mr Barr sweeping new powers, including to declassify documents.

Mr Barr is already subject to intense scrutiny and criticism by Democrats - who have accused him of acting on the president's behalf and not in the national interest.

The president has repeatedly suggested his campaign was spied on and accused intelligence agencies of abusing their power.

He has also said this could amount to "treason" and has suggested those involved should be criminally prosecuted.

In April, the attorney general told Congress that "spying did occur" on the Trump campaign, and said he wanted to ensure that any intelligence gathering had been legitimate.

Earlier this month Mr Barr assigned a federal prosecutor to look at the origins of the Russia investigation. Mr Trump has denied asking Mr Barr to do so.

Thursday's memorandum directs the head of intelligence agencies to "promptly provide" information to Mr Barr upon his request.

"Today's action will help ensure that all Americans learn the truth about the events that occurred, and the actions that were taken, during the last presidential election and will restore confidence in our public institutions," press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Source: https://aderonkebamidele.com/trump-orders-new-powers-for-attorney-generals-surveillance-probe/