Rep. Bachmann (R-Minn) stunned leading intelligence chiefs during a hearing on worldwide threats late last week.
The hearing was conducted by the House Intelligence Committee and heard from Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, CIA Director John Brennan, Defense Intelligence Agency director Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, & FBI Director Robert Mueller, on worldwide threats to U.S. national security.
Bachmann drew blank stares several times during the course of her brief questioning due disbelief that the congresswoman was discussing classified material in an open forum, televised live by C-Span. There were two instances where she was advised that it would be better to continue that line of questioning in a “closed session.”
At other points, her questions seemed confusing such as this exchange between Bachmann and CIA Director Brennan:
BACHMANN: “When the White House conducted their armed drone strikes in North Africa, particularly in Eastern Libya, prior to the attack on our mission in Benghazi on 9-1-1 last year, did the White House notify the State Department of the armed drone strikes before they were made?”
BRENNAN [visibly confused]: “Armed drone strikes in Libya? I am unknowing of such and I would defer you to the White House to address your question.”
BACHMANN: “Were there any armed drone strikes in northern Africa that were made by the White House?”
BRENNAN: “The White House doesn’t have a drone capability, responsibility – whatever, so.”
BACHMANN: “Did they have any directives towards having armed drone strikes in north Africa?”
BRENNAN: “Again, I don’t know what it is specifically you’re referring to.”
You can watch Michele Bachmann questioning the intelligence directors below:
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