We can now confirm that James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, just handed his letter of resignation to President Obama rather than remaining in office to help with the transition for the Trump administration.
Clapper is infamously known for lying to the United States Senate in 2013 about the existence of the NSA’s secret email collection program. During testimony to the Senate Committee on Intelligence, Clapper was asked if the NSA collected “any type” of date on Americans, and he lied, saying “Not wittingly. There are cases where they could inadvertantly perhaps collect, but not wittingly.”
Many Americans believe Clapper should be in jail for lying about the existence of the NSA’s data collection program, and during his testimony the Obama official falsely claimed that the government had “structures against tracking American citizens in the United States for foreign intelligence purposes.”
Clapper attempted to clarify his remarks, and insisted that he did not lie to the Senate, but many Americans still remain skeptical:
On Thursday, Clapper clarified his remarks during the March hearing, telling the National Journal his comments were referring to NSA or other intelligence agencies intentionally reviewing e-mails and other electronic communications.
“What I said was, ‘the NSA does not voyeuristically pore through U.S. citizens’ e-mails.’ I stand by that,” Clapper said.
According to Politico, Clapper revealed his resignation “during his opening statement in a rare open hearing of the House Intelligence Committee after the panel’s ranking Democrat, Adam Schiff, said he had heard rumors that the spy chief — who took on the role in 2010 — might stay on into the Trump administration.”
Clapper acknowledged that he felt “pretty good” about his decision to resign, and will remain in office for just 64 more days before President-elect Donald Trump announces a replacement.
Do you agree with most Americans that Clapper should be thrown in jail for lying about the NSA’s email collection program? Who should Trump name as his replacement? Share your thoughts below!