Trump Says He Doesn't Need Daily Intel Briefings: I'm A 'Smart Person'
- 7 years ago
During an interview with 'Fox News Sunday,' President Trump responded to the concerns surrounding him skipping intelligence briefings.
In late November, reports surfaced that Donald Trump had not attended many intelligence briefings since his win.
The Washington Post noted at the time, "President-elect Donald Trump has received two classified intelligence briefings since his surprise election victory earlier this month, a frequency that is notably lower — at least so far — than that of his predecessors, current and former U.S. officials said."
During an interview with Chris Wallace on 'Fox News Sunday,' Trump addressed the concern, "First of all, 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.'"
He added, "I don't have to be told...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."
He continued, "But I do say, 'If something should change, let us know.'"
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta shared his thoughts during a CBS interview on the issue, "If you’re president of the United States, you better be in touch on a daily basis with your intelligence briefers...so that you have an understanding as to...what’s happening in the world, what are the crises you have to pay attention to, and what steps do you have to take in order to deal with those crises?”
In late November, reports surfaced that Donald Trump had not attended many intelligence briefings since his win.
The Washington Post noted at the time, "President-elect Donald Trump has received two classified intelligence briefings since his surprise election victory earlier this month, a frequency that is notably lower — at least so far — than that of his predecessors, current and former U.S. officials said."
During an interview with Chris Wallace on 'Fox News Sunday,' Trump addressed the concern, "First of all, 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.'"
He added, "I don't have to be told...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."
He continued, "But I do say, 'If something should change, let us know.'"
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta shared his thoughts during a CBS interview on the issue, "If you’re president of the United States, you better be in touch on a daily basis with your intelligence briefers...so that you have an understanding as to...what’s happening in the world, what are the crises you have to pay attention to, and what steps do you have to take in order to deal with those crises?”