Kaine expects FBI to announce White House-Russia investigation

Sen. Tim KaineTimothy (Tim) Michael KaineKaine jokes: Kim Jong Un will send Trump a copy of ‘American Idiot’ The Hill's Morning Report — Sponsored by Better Medicare Alliance — Anticipation builds for Trump’s SCOTUS pick Amy Coney Barrett emerges as favorite on right, target for left MORE (D-Va.) said Wednesday he expects FBI Director James Comey to announce the FBI is investigating possible ties between Russia and Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpMichelle Wolf in July Fourth salute: 'God bless abortions and God bless America' Graham: Trump's Supreme Court picks 'all winners' Man arrested after allegedly threatening to kill Trump supporters, GOP lawmaker MORE's presidential campaign, transition and administration.

“I think many of us are expecting that [Comey] will say, ‘Yes, the FBI is looking at it.’ That’s what I expect to hear,” Kaine told CNN “New Day” host Chris Cuomo.

Kaine stressed that the investigation must look into whether the White House is connected to Russia.

“When you get to the bottom line of it, we have to understand everything about the ties between Russia, the Trump campaign, the Trump transition and the Trump administration, especially the degree to which Russia tried to invade the American election — because we have to protect future elections,” Kaine continued.

The former Democratic vice presidential nominee suggested this investigation would aid and protect U.S. allies in case Russia also tried to interfere with their elections.

“There’s elections in France coming up, there’s elections in Germany coming up. Russia has already been engaged in the Brexit election. They are engaged in the French election to some degree. We have got to give our allies some idea about how they can protect themselves,” he said, referring to Britain's referendum last year on whether to leave the European Union.

Kaine often questioned Trump's ties to Russia during the presidential campaign when he was as Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonTrump tweets video montage of people saying he couldn't win presidency Baseless attacks on Robert Mueller must end to protect our democracy Ex-NATO commander: Trump right to demand NATO members pay more for defense MORE's running mate.