WASHINGTON, D.C. Sept. 26, 2019— More than 300 former national security professionals—many of whom have served administrations of both parties—today issued a public statement commending the Congressional impeachment inquiry and encouraging vigorous efforts to ascertain additional facts and hold President Trump to account, as warranted.
“As national security professionals, many of us have long been concerned with President Trump’s actions and their implications for our safety and security. Some of us have spoken out, but many of us have eschewed politics throughout our careers and, as a result, have not weighed in publicly,” the statement began.
The signatories added: “The revelations of recent days, however, demand a response.” They further noted that they “applaud those Members of Congress, including Speaker Pelosi, who have now started us down that necessary path.”
Those who signed the statement include a former Deputy Secretary of State, two former Under Secretaries of State, a former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, several career ambassadors, and other veterans of the Intelligence Community, the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Council staff, and other national security and foreign policy Departments and Agencies.
In explaining their reasoning for speaking out, the signatories wrote: “Having worked across administrations of both parties to uphold and advance those national interests, we consider the President’s actions to be a profound national security concern.” They also noted the implications of inaction: “If we fail to speak up—and act—now our foreign policy and national security will officially be on offer to those who can most effectively fulfill the President’s personal prerogatives.
Jeffrey Prescott, Executive Director of National Security Action, offered additional context on the statement: “In light of these circumstances, we felt that we had no option but to speak out about the national security implications of a President puts his own personal political interests above the national interest. We are gratified to see that so many former national security professionals, veterans of administrations of both parties, joined us in this effort.”
The full statement and list of signatories is below, and can be viewed or downloaded here.
About Us:
We are Americans—former senior officials and policy experts, academics and civil society leaders—who have seen first-hand how the United States is stronger, safer and more respected in the world when we stand strong with our allies, pursue principled diplomacy, and stay true to the values that have long defined America at home and abroad. www.nationalsecurityaction.org