White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Wednesday dodged questions raised by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence about the seriousness of a mysterious national security threat.
Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a press release Wednesday urging President Joe Biden to declassify information about an unnamed “national security threat.” requested. NBC News White House correspondent Peter Alexander asked Sullivan if he could tell the American people there was nothing to worry about about this threat, but Sullivan shrugged it off. (Related: Jake Sullivan confirms continued 'action' will be taken, says US does not want 'broader war' with Middle East)
“What you can't say could cause distress to some Americans. In the simplest terms, how can you say to Americans, there's nothing to worry about at this point? . [House Intel Chair Turner] Are you describing it as a 'national security threat'? ” Alexander asked Sullivan.
“You know, I think in some ways it’s impossible to answer that question with a straight “yes,” right? “Because Americans understand that there are threats and challenges in the world that we deal with every day,” Sullivan said. “And those threats and challenges range from terrorism to state actors, and we must combat them, and we must combat them in ways that ensure the ultimate security of the American people.”
“I am confident that the decisions President Biden will make will ensure the safety of the American people in the years to come. And I stand here at this podium and say this: Look in your eyes.'We believe we can and will protect the national security of America and the American people,” Sullivan said.
Turner did not specify in the press release what the national security threat was, but Sullivan said refused details Even further away. Sullivan said he plans to meet with Turner and House leadership on Thursday to discuss the threat. A senior Biden official also accused Turner of being surprised by what he said in public.
“I'm a little surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today…It's his choice. All I can say is that I'm focused on going to see him.” Sullivan said, adding: “I am not in a position to say anything further from this podium at this time.”
The Biden administration has not issued any official statement, but various reports have speculated that the apparent threat is space-related.Two sources familiar with the deliberations at the National Diet Building Said ABC News reported that this concern stems from Russia potentially wanting to put nuclear weapons in space.
“This is very concerning and a very sensitive issue,” a source told ABC News, adding that it was a “huge issue.”
