Earlier today, President Trump (a two-word combination I thought I’d never have to write outside of speculation, satire, or “darkest timeline” science fiction) posted the following tweets, which have been rearranged to be read from top to bottom:
This makes about as much sense as a chicken forming an impenetrable Poultry Security Unit with Colonel Sanders. While the President said “I strongly pressed President Putin twice about Russian meddling in our election. He vehemently denied it. I’ve already given my opinion,” U.S. officials have said that hackers in the employ of the Russian government have penetrated various U.S. energy company networks, and intelligence chiefs including the Director of National Intelligence, CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency, NSA, and FBI have all testified that Russia interfered in the 2016 election.
Even people from the President’s own party thought the idea was ridiculous:
- Lindsey Graham: “It’s not the dumbest idea I have ever heard, but it’s pretty close.”
- John McCain: “There has been no penalty. Vladimir Putin … got away with literally trying to change the outcome … of our election.”
- Marco Rubio: “Partnering with Putin on a ‘Cyber Security Unit’ is akin to partnering with [Syrian President Bashar al] Assad on a ‘Chemical Weapons Unit’.”
The President — who probably was more influenced by the backlash to this idea rather than expert advice — seems to have backpedalled on the “Cyber Security Unit” idea…
…which is both relieving and concerning at the same time. It’s relieving for obvious reasons, but also concerning since it’s a terrible idea to make such a bold statement and then go “just kidding!” half a day later.
Also worth reading: Marcy Wheeler’s article, On Trump’s Impenetrable Cyber Security Unit to Guard Election Hacking.