The White House told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Monday that Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes won’t be testifying on Tuesday about his controversial comments on the Iran deal.
In a letter to Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, Neil Eggleston, counsel to President Obama, said it would raise “constitutional concerns” if Rhodes were to testify. He also said Congress has been consulted enough.
“While the administration will continue to consult closely with Congress on this important matter, testimony by one of the most senior advisers to the president raises significant constitutional concerns rooted in the separation of powers,” he wrote.
“Specifically, the appearance of a senior presidential adviser before Congress threatens the independence and autonomy of the president, as well as his ability to receive candid advice and counsel in the discharge of his constitutional duties,” he added.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters shortly after 1 p.m. Monday that there was no decision yet on whether Rhodes would testify. “I don’t have an answer for you. We’re going to continue to review the letter,” Earnest said.
But according to a House aide, the White House quickly made up its mind. Eggleston’s letter was delivered less than two hours after Earnest’s briefing was over.
The answer is likely to further anger Republicans, who say Rhodes revealed in a New York Times interview that he created an “echo chamber” among foreign policy experts in order to help sell the deal. Chaffetz said the decision was “disappointing but typical.”
WH informed me @rhodes44 will not testify. Talks to reporters and his “echo chamber” but not Congress. Disappointing but typical.
— Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) May 16, 2016
Chaffetz had asked Rhodes to appear on Tuesday. Read the White House letter here:
