Is there a reason why Trump didn't mention the four Green Berets that died in Niger up until he was cornered by the media to do so?
October 17, 2017

Sen. Jack Reed told CNN that the Trump administration has not been forthcoming over the Niger ambush of four U.S. Green Berets.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services joined CNN's Berman and Harlow show to discuss the Niger ambush that killed four American soldiers.

Co-host John Berman asked, "You joined a chorus of people now asking for a review of the circumstances that led to their death, to that ambush. What questions do you have?"

Sen. Reed explained that the unit of Green Berets was on a routine training mission with Nigerian troops when the ambush occurred and the Senator wanted to know how the ambush happened and what the mission was.

"Are we actively pursuing the ISIS-backed elements or are we simply training and enhance the ability of the army of Niger," Reed said.

Co-host Poppy Harlow said, "Do you think the administration has been forthcoming on this? The first we heard from the president at all about the death of these four Americans serving our country was yesterday when he was asked about it in a press conference."

She asked, "It's been almost two weeks since they died. Has the administration been forthcoming enough, Senator?

Sen. Reed replied, "No, I don't think so. I think the administration has to be much more clear about our role in Niger and our role in other areas in Africa and other parts of the globe. They have to connect it to a strategy. They should do that."

He continued, "I think the inattention to this issue is not acceptable."

When asked about Trump remarks defending his non-actions with the families of the four lost Green Berets, claiming past president didn't call the families of our fallen troops, Sen. Reed said, "I think that's a gross mischaracterization of what previous presidents have done."

Sen. Reed said it's not an easy task for all presidents.

Reed said, "And to the [Trump] president, he seems to exhibit an insensitivity, and it's something routine that he would get to eventually. That's not the case. We have to not only care for the families, but also care for those who have been wounded and I hope we do that."

Trump is only sensitive to the needs of his ego.

For the Trump administration not to ever mention the Niger ambush is perplexing on many levels and I've written about it here.

And the way they've bumbled the task of comforting military families after this tragedy and then have Trump lie about past presidents' actions is again, beyond reprehensible.

And add to that the hypocrisy after years of Benghazi witch hunts, supposedly in the name of "four dead Americans," as well as the "support the troops" fake patriotism in the NFL feud, and the entire Republican party is just unfit for office.

Can you help us out?

For nearly 20 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.

Discussion

We welcome relevant, respectful comments. Any comments that are sexist or in any other way deemed hateful by our staff will be deleted and constitute grounds for a ban from posting on the site. Please refer to our Terms of Service for information on our posting policy.
Mastodon