Trump needs to do more than ask

Now is not the time to simply ask questions. President Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin today amid the backdrop of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Twelve Russian intelligence officers are accused in the indictment of hacking Democrats in an effort to help Trump. Still being investigated is whether Trump himself or any member of his team engaged in any collusion with Russia. Trump, who vows such an investigation is a “witch hunt” says he will ask Putin about the election meddling. But this is more than meddling. Yes, according to the indictment, these Russian intelligence officers set up fake social media accounts to try to influence the election outcome. But they also reportedly hacked campaign officials, and were able to break into state and local voter registration rolls. That is more than meddling. It is a cyber war-crime. Such allegations deserve more than a question from the President of the United States. Trump should tell the former KGB official that such behavior will not go unpunished. And that Russia must stop interfering in our democracy as we approach the next election. It is time for bold, decisive action, not just a question and a wink.