Trump Fighting Criticism On Intelligence Briefing: ‘I’m, Like, A Smart Person’
It is no question that our President-elect Donald Trump has to explain himself for everything and anything, and tends to make some people very unhappy with his indifference’s from other Presidents. Now, Trump is fighting criticism on his decision to not receive intelligence briefings every day, as most other recent President’s have done, CBS reports. “I’m, like, a smart person.”
During an interview with Fox News, Donald Trump was asked about his decision to only receive intelligence briefings once a week, rather than once a day.
“You know, I’m, like, a smart person. I don’t have to be told the same thing in the same words every single day for the next eight years. Could be eight years — but eight years. I don’t need that. But I do say, If something should change, let us know.”
According to The Hill, President-elect Donald Trump says he gets the briefings when he needs it. Further, Trump revealed that his Vice President-elect, as well as his top generals, are all receiving classified briefings, and stated that if something changes, he is always available for a briefing.
“These are very good people that are giving me the briefings. And I say, if something should change from this point, immediately call me. I’m available on one-minute’s notice.”
Former CIA director Leon Panetta told CBS on Face the Nation, that he was concerned about Trump’s decision, and felt that he seemed to have a “lack of interest” in the intelligence briefings.
Further, Panetta stated that there is a difference between getting daily updates and briefly checking in occasionally with intelligence briefers. She believes that for a President to truly understand the potential threats against the country, that he must be briefed every day.
“Every president I — I know, and I’ve worked under nine presidents, every one has taken their intelligence daily brief because that sets the agenda for what you have to focus on as president of the United States.”
According to Panetta, threats are found constantly, some credible, and some not credible.
“But those threats change on a day-to-day basis with new intelligence, with new sources, with new assets that provide information.”
According to Reuters, President-elect Donald Trump is not required to receive daily intelligence briefings. A transition team official did reveal that Trump has been receiving regular national security briefings, as well as other special briefings that are also considered classified.
Most would think that if our President-elect was lacking interest in our country’s well-being, he would be more careless about his other routine briefings. Perhaps he truly is smart enough to choose what is necessary on a daily basis, and what isn’t.
Donald Trump has regularly been compared to former President Ronald Reagan. Reuters revealed that Reagan, as well as Jimmy Carter and George Bush, were delayed in starting their intelligence briefing all together. So, as Trump is being criticized for not doing daily intelligence briefings, which are not required by law, he isn’t the only one, as many make him seem to be.
During Ronald Reagan’s presidency, he achieved a lot and made history. Perhaps we should give Donald Trump the chance to make history, as well.
One huge similarity between Trump and Reagan: They were both attacked by GOP for their “lack of experience,” and were both considered radical and simpleminded. Reagan proved them wrong, so why must we constantly judge Trump? Perhaps maybe President-elect Donald Trump really will “Make America Great Again.”
[Featured Image by Richard Drew/AP Images]
