The so-called gang of eight was finally briefed today on the reports that Russia paid the Taliban a bounty to kill American soldiers in Afghanistan.
NBC writes: “Top intelligence officials, including CIA chief Director Gina Haspel and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, conducted the closed-door briefing for a group of lawmakers dubbed the “gang of eight” — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the top Republicans and Democrats on the two intelligence committees. The group regularly receives classified briefings at the highest levels.”
While the briefing was classified, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also issued this statement after it ended:
“Force protection is a primary purpose of intelligence. It should have the same importance to the Commander-in-Chief. Any reports of threats on our troops must be pursued relentlessly.
“These reports are coming to light in the context of the President being soft on Vladimir Putin when it comes to NATO, the G7, Crimea, Ukraine and the ongoing undermining of the integrity of our elections.
“Our Armed Forces would be better served if President Trump spent more time reading his daily briefing and less time planning military parades and defending relics of the Confederacy.”
Earlier today, Pelosi also said, “something is wrong with this picture. As I’ve said what is that the Russians have on the president politically, personally or, financially that has this behavior on the commander-in-chief.”