Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer (N.D.) emphasized the importance of fostering a “solid relationship” with the intelligence community, given the threats faced by the U.S. from foreign adversaries.
“I think it is important to foster a solid relationship and a good working environment because God knows we need them to be at the top of their game,” Cramer, who sits on the Senate Armed Service Committee, told Hill.TV’s Krystal Ball and Buck Sexton on “Rising.”
“That’s not to say they’re perfect as a community, but we do need them at the top of their game,” he added.
Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, along with other intelligence officials, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that a new U.S. assessment does not show that Iran is pursuing new nuclear weapons capabilities.
President Trump later referred to the intelligence community as “extremely passive and naive,” and said they should “go back to school” on threats posed by Iran.
“The president manages in a very different style. He communicates in a very different way. I don’t think that’s shocking to anybody, but I probably don’t have as much intel as he does on the topic to be that critical,” Cramer said, referring to Trump’s criticism of the committee.
The Hill reported on Thursday that various Senate Republicans, who are concerned over Trump’s relationship with the military and intelligence community, are planning to move a measure rebuking the president in an effort to reclaim more clout on foreign policy.
— Julia Manchester
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