SCOTT PELLEY (HOST): The F.B.I. is investigating whether there were improper contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians interested in meddling in the election. One of Mr. Trump's associates suspects that the F.B.I. is looking into his communications. Roger Stone spoke to Jeff Pegues.
ROGER STONE: Sure, they'll get my grocery list. They may get the emails between my wife and I, but here's what they won't get-- any contact with the Russians.
JEFF PEGUES: Longtime Republican operative Roger Stone is a friend of President Trump and was an informal adviser to his campaign. Stone denies any connection to Russia, and allegations he knew WikiLeaks was going to publish the stolen emails of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.
STONE: It's a witch-hunt.
PEGUES: You think it is.
STONE: There's no-- I know it is.
PEGUES: But in August, Stone tweeted, “Trust me, it will soon be Podesta's time in the barrel.” Nearly two months later, the emails were released. In January, U.S. intelligence agencies assessed with high confidence that the Russian government gave WikiLeaks material it acquired during cyberattacks on Democratic Party officials. The F.B.I. counter-intelligence unit is investigating whether there was coordination between Trump campaign representatives and Russian operatives. Last summer, Stone said that he had been in contact with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
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STONE: I actually have communicated with Assange.
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PEGUES: So, what's the story?
STONE: I don't think I ever said they communicated directly with Assange.
PEGUES: You didn't?
STONE: No, I did not.
PEGUES: But you were quoted on video--
STONE: Yes, not-- those are not inconsistent at all. Communication takes many forms. I never had any direct conversations with him, nor did I have advance knowledge of either the subject matter of his subsequent disclosures or who he did or did not hack.
PEGUES: Stone says that his contacts with WikiLeaks were through an American intermediary he would not identify. Scott, congressional Democrats have urged F.B.I. Director James Comey to investigate Stone, but so far, he says he has not been contacted by the bureau and has not hired a lawyer.
