Search

Clapper: Trump's criticism of bin Laden raid represents 'complete ignorance'

Former Director of National Intelligence James ClapperJames Robert ClapperClapper: Killing of Saudi journalist displays that Trump will ‘accept the words of autocrats’ Overnight Defense — Presented by Raytheon — Trump's Armistice Day trip marked by controversy | US ends aerial refueling to Saudi coalition in Yemen | Analysts identify undeclared North Korean missile bases Pipe bomb suspect to be held without bail MORE said Monday that President TrumpDonald John TrumpPaul Ryan defends Navy admiral after Trump's criticism Trump discussing visit overseas to troops following criticism: report Retired Army General: Trump is ‘acting like an 8th grader’ in attacking ex-Navy SEAL who led bin Laden operation MORE's attacks against the retired Navy admiral who led the U.S. operation that killed Osama bin Laden was "a slam at the intelligence community."

"What this really is is misplaced criticism of [William] McRaven," Clapper said on "CNN Right Now." 

"It's really a slam at the intelligence community, who was responsible for tracking down Osama bin Laden, and reflects, I think, his complete ignorance about what that took."

The president also questioned why it took so long for the U.S. to find bin Laden, who was ultimately killed by Navy SEALs in a 2011 operation in Pakistan.

"Wouldn’t it have been nice if we got Osama bin Laden a lot sooner than that, wouldn’t it have been nice?" Trumpsaid Sunday. 

Trump's comments drew swift backlash with retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling calling his attack on McRaven "disgusting" and multiple U.S. lawmakers releasing statements to convey their support of the ex-Navy SEAL. 

McRaven responded to the president's comments shortly after by doubling down on his previous criticism of Trump. McRaven said Trump's attack on the media represented "the greatest threat to our democracy in my lifetime."

"When you undermine the people's right to a free press and freedom of speech and expression, then you threaten the Constitution and all for which it stands," he said in a statement, adding that he did not support Clinton during the 2016 presidential election.

The president defended his stance on Monday, tweeting that the U.S. "should have captured Osama Bin Laden long before we did."

 

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Read Again https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/417571-clapper-trumps-criticism-of-bin-laden-raid-represents-complete

Bagikan Berita Ini

Related Posts :

0 Response to "Clapper: Trump's criticism of bin Laden raid represents 'complete ignorance'"

Post a Comment

Powered by Blogger.