Page:Simpson-transcript-redacted.pdf/156

Glenn SimpsonPage 156 Q. Okay.

A. I will go back to your question, but, again, it says "Source B asserted the Trump operating was both supported and directed by Putin aimed to sew discord within the U.S.," and, you know, basically — you know, there's a number of different ways that it seems they're trying to intervene in our politics in this memo.

What was your question?

Q. I appreciate that clarification. You were actually clarifying a statement I made, which I appreciate.

So you had testified a little earlier that at the point in time in which you received this first memo you used it a little more as background to inform your thinking on it, but you didn't take discrete steps. Had you — were you involved in editing this memo in any way?

A. No.

Q. Did you give Mr. Steele any specific direction on, you know, next steps based on this memo?

A. Not that I can recall, no.

Q. So at this point in time was he still operating with the understanding that he was just 1-800-FOR-DEPO