NSA Director Tells Congress Trump Has Not Authorized Him To Stop Russian Cyber Attacks
One of the country’s top intelligence chiefs told lawmakers on Tuesday that President Trump has not given him the authority to disrupt Russian cyberattacks.
National Security Agency director Adm. Mike Rogers admitted that Trump has yet to issue any policy directives that would steer resources toward confronting Russian attempts to interfere with the 2018 midterm elections.
“I haven’t been granted any additional authorities,” Rogers told the Senate armed services committee, noting that it would be up to the President to authorize any action.
“I need a policy decision that indicates there is specific direction to do that,” he added.
Trump has faced criticism for not taking the threat of Russian meddling seriously and downplaying their role in the 2016 presidential contest.
Democrats on Tuesday latched on to Rogers’ comments as evidence the White House has not done enough to prevent future attacks.
