Nancy Pelosi is upset that Trump didn’t tell her in advance about the Special Forces raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Trump explained in his press conference that he informed countries, including Russia and others, over whose territory or through whose air defenses U.S. forces had to fly that an operation was underway, but did not inform them of the purpose. That was necessary to avoid fire on U.S. aircraft.
But Trump didn’t inform Congressional leaders until the troops were safely out of harms way, because he feared the leaks that have plagued congress and his own administration would endanger the troops.
Nancy Pelosi is not happy. In her belated statement on the mission, she complained (emphasis added):
“Americans salute the heroism, dedication and skill of our military and our intelligence professionals and acknowledge the work of our partners in the region. We are relieved that no U.S. personnel died in this daring raid.“The death of al-Baghdadi is significant, but the death of this ISIS leader does not mean the death of ISIS. Scores of ISIS fighters remain under uncertain conditions in Syrian prisons, and countless others in the region and around the world remain intent on spreading their influence and committing acts of terror.“This month, the House passed a joint resolution on an overwhelmingly bipartisan 354-60 basis which rejects President Trump’s green-lighting of Turkish aggression into Syria against our Kurdish partners, and calls on him to present a clear strategy to defeat ISIS. The House must be briefed on this raid, which the Russians but not top Congressional Leadership were notified of in advance, and on the Administration’s overall strategy in the region. Our military and allies deserve strong, smart and strategic leadership from Washington.”
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