Trump blames 'both Democrats and Republicans' for allegations; calls Clinton 'guilty as hell'

US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 13) accused his political opponents, "both Democrats and Republicans," for putting together a dossier of unverified claims linking him to Russia. PHOTO: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday (Jan 13) accused his political opponents, "both Democrats and Republicans," for putting together a dossier of unverified claims linking him to Russia and said the document was probably released by intelligence agencies.

He also reprised his election campaign attacks on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, declaring her "guilty as hell" and deriding her supporters' criticism of how the FBI handled an investigation into her emails.

"Totally made up facts by sleazebag political operatives, both Democrats and Republicans - FAKE NEWS! Russia says nothing exists," Trump said in a series of posts on Twitter.

"Probably released by 'Intelligence' even knowing there is no proof, and never will be," he said.

On Wednesday, US spy chief James Clapper said that media leaks of the material had not come from US intelligence agencies and that the agencies had not judged whether the information was reliable.

The US Justice Department said on Thursday it would investigate an FBI decision to announce an inquiry into Clinton's emails shortly before the Nov 8 election, a move she has blamed as a factor in her defeat.

"What are Hillary Clinton's people complaining about with respect to the FBI. Based on the information they had, she should never have been allowed to run - guilty as hell," Trump wrote on Twitter.

"They were VERY nice to her. She lost because she campaigned in the wrong states - no enthusiasm!"

Trump had often led crowds in chants of "lock her up!" during the 2016 election campaign, accusing Clinton of illegal conduct over her use of a private email server for official correspondence while she was secretary of state under President Barack Obama.

In a debate in October, the Republican real estate developer vowed Clinton would "be in jail" over the matter if he became president, but later said he would not pursue prosecution.

Some of the Clinton emails were determined to contain classified information. The FBI ultimately decided not to refer her case for prosecution.

Democrats said FBI Director James Comey's announcement of the new inquiry into the emails damaged her standing with voters right before the election, and he faced complaints that his moves were politically motivated.

Brian Fallon, Clinton's spokesman, told MSNBC on Thursday that Comey's actions "cried out for an independent review." Senator Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the US Senate said Comey's statements were not "fair, professional or consistent with the policies of the Federal Bureau of Investigation."

Comey said on Thursday the FBI would cooperate fully with the investigation.

Trump, who will be sworn in on Jan 20, will not have the power to dismiss the investigation.

Federal law permits US presidents to dismiss inspectors general for federal agencies, as long as the president provides Congress a written justification for the removal 30 days in advance.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.