It’s time for President Barack Obama to stop being so defensive about the National Security Agency, according to Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.).
The Congressman appeared on NBC‘s Meet the Press on Sunday, where he and host David Gregory discussed the latest push for government transparency and a limit to the NSA’s power. King argued that Obama should stop playing defense on the issue.
“I think the President should stop apologizing, stop being defensive,” King said. “The reality is the NSA has saved thousands of lives.”
King said that people — especially those in his own party, such as Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — idolizing NSA leaker Edward Snowden “bothers the hell outta me.” He criticized them for praising someone who is doing damage to the United States. The Congressman said again that Obama should show his support for the NSA.
“Quite frankly, the NSA has done so much for our country and so much to help this President in his term, he should be out there,” King argued. “He’s the Commander-in-Chief. He should stand with the NSA.”
The New York Republican also expressed his pro-drone stance and hit Paul for his marathon filibuster against their possible use on American citizens on American soil. King then again said the POTUS should stand by the U.S. troops and the NSA.
“If he can find the time to go to Junior’s Cheesecake with Bill de Blasio, he can find time to go to Fort Meade and stand with Gen. [Keith] Alexander,” King asserted, referencing the NSA director.
