National security adviser H.R. McMaster ended Tuesday’s press briefing with a non sequitur, calling into question not only the handling of classified information in the Oval Office but also President Trump’s basic competence.
Asked whether Trump’s sharing of classified information with the Russian ambassador would hurt U.S. intelligence capabilities, McMaster answered that he wasn’t “concerned at all,” adding that it was “wholly appropriate with expectations of our intelligence partners.”
With that answer McMaster should have called it quits. He did not, instead volunterring the following, unprompted information: “I should just make maybe the statement here, that the president wasn’t even aware where this information came from. He wasn’t briefed on the source or method of the information.”
What in the world was he thinking? While ignorance might be a defense for criminals shackled in the court of law or children caught with their hands in cookie jars, it’s a poor excuse for the leader of the free world.
That’s not to suggest that Trump did anything illegal. None would doubt that it’s his presidential prerogative to declassify information. The question is instead whether or not Trump acted prudently. And from what we know now, the president displayed behavior that Republicans once described as disqualifying when Hillary Clinton did it as secretary of state.
As Trump happily pointed out during the campaign, the country needs a president who can wisely and safely handle classified information. When McMaster offered a plea of ignorance on Trump’s behalf, he seriously damaged the president’s credibility.
The White House can’t hide behind Trump’s ignorance or inexperience for that matter. Though the learning curve might be steep, the president has had four months to overcome it. To say the least, more explanation is required.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.