Sanders says that he would inform the FBI about foreign intelligence offers

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersS Sanders Best Advisor Declares "Possible" Negotiated Agreement Top Sanders Advisor Says "Negotiated" Agreement Is Certainly "Possible" First "Medicare for All" Audience Sharpens Attacks on Both Sides MORE (I-Vt.) Said Thursday that he would call the FBI when he was made aware of foreign intelligence about his political opponents.

Pressed by MSNBC's animator, Chris Hayes, to find out if he would inform the FBI of this offer, the presidential candidate in the 2020 Democratic presidential election responded: "It's illegal, then I would do it. "

Sanders's comments came after President TrumpDonald John TrumpHouse's panel approves the US space military branch Harris calls Trump "a threat to national security" after stating that he would take information from a foreign power Harris called Trump "a threat to the national security "after stating that he would take information from a foreign power. suggested Wednesday that he would accept damaging information about a political opponent coming from a foreign government.

"I think you might want to listen. There is nothing wrong with listening, "Trump told ABC News. "It's not an interference. They have information. I think I would take it. If I thought something was wrong, I might go to the FBI.

In the interview, ABC News moderator George Stephanopoulos said Christopher Wray, Trump's FBI director, said the campaigns should report to the bureau such contacts with foreign entities.

"The FBI director is wrong," Trump replied.

Trump's comments sparked a widespread reaction from Democrats who decried Trump's suggestion. Republican legislators, meanwhile, ran to stand out from the president's words.

The remarks also prompted the president of the Federal Election Commission, Ellen Weintraub, to issue a statement Thursday stating that it is "illegal for anyone to solicit, accept or receive anything of value of a foreign national in the context of an American election ".