US NSA says Trump wasn’t briefed on Russian bounties, lambasts officials for leaking info

US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien said that President Donald Trump had t been briefed on reports of alleged Russian bounties because y were t verified or substantiated by intelligence community. He also lambasted government officials for leaking classified information on alleged bounties offered to Taliban-linked militants to kill US troops in Afghanistan.

“To those government officials who betray trust of people of United States by leaking classified information, your actions endanger our national security. matter motivation, re is never a justification for such conduct,” said O’Brien in a statement.

Earlier today, John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence, said in a statement that “selective leaking” of classified information disrupts vital interncy work to collect, assess, and mitigate threats and places forces at risk. He added that ncies are still investigating alleged intelligence referenced in recent media reporting and will brief President and Congressional leaders at appropriate time. 

“Unfortunately, unauthorised disclosures w jeopardise our ability to ever find out full story with respect to se allegations,” statement read.

Read: Joe Biden Criticises Trump For Inaction Over Reports Of Russian Bounties

White House briefing scheduled

According to media reports, several House Democrats will be briefed by White House at 5.30pm IST on June 30 after facing strong criticism. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke to Ratcliffe and Central Intelligence ncy Director Gina Haspel after formally requesting for a full House briefing on intelligence surrounding Russian bounties.

In formal request, Pelosi had said that administration’s “disturbing silence and inaction” endanger lives of US troops and coalition partners. She said that Trump’s refusal to stand up to Russians also jeopardises lives in region, as Afghan government and United States are engd in critical peace negotiations with Taliban. 

“Congress and country need answers w. I refore request an interncy brief for all House Members immediately,” she wrote.

Read: Trump's Reaction To Reports Of Russian Bounties To Taliban 'remarkable': Former NSA Bolton