Nat’l Security Adviser: Trump Was Not Initially Briefed on Russian Bounties Because It Was ‘Uncorroborated’
National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien came to President Donald Trump’s defense on Wednesday reiterating the administration’s claim that the president was not previously briefed on intelligence that said Russia placed…
National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien came to President Donald Trump’s defense on Wednesday reiterating the administration’s claim that the president was not previously briefed on intelligence that said Russia placed bounties on American troops in Afghanistan.
O’Brien appeared on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” to address reports Trump was briefed on the intelligence months ago.
O’Brien called the story “unfortunate” on “multiple levels.”
He went on to argue there is no one more concerned about the American people and armed forces than Trump.
O’Brien also claimed no one has been tougher on Russia since the Cold War than Trump.
He then pivoted and said Trump was not initially briefed on the intelligence.
“The president was not briefed because, at the time of these allegations, they were uncorroborated,” O’Brien said.
Watch his comments below:
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Just before O’Brien’s interview, Trump issued a tweet slamming the New York Times for the publication’s reporting on the matter.
“The Russia Bounty story is just another made up by Fake News tale that is told only to damage me and the Republican Party,” Trump tweeted. “The secret source probably does not even exist, just like the story itself. If the discredited has a source, reveal it. Just another HOAX!”
O’Brien noted the intelligence community did not reach a consensus on the intelligence.
According to reports