Thread: NYT: Trump and Mattis disagreed over congressional approval for Syria strike

NYT: Trump and Mattis disagreed over congressional approval for Syria strike

By Sophie Tatum
Updated 10:26 PM ET, Tue April 17, 2018

Washington (CNN)President Donald Trump quashed Defense Secretary James Mattis' suggestion to obtain congressional authorization ahead of last week's strikes in Syria, military and administration officials told The New York Times.

Last Friday night, Trump announced that the US -- alongside UK and French allies -- had initiated precision strikes in Syria as a response to an alleged chemical weapons attack against civilians by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Speculation had been building all week around the US response leading up to the announcement -- Trump added to the suspense, firing off tweets aimed at Russia during the week.

"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria," Trump wrote in one tweet. "Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and 'smart!' You shouldn't be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!"

According to the Times report, the officials said Trump's choice to override Mattis' guidance to get congressional approval for the strikes was because he wanted his tweets to be supported by action, despite warnings that not erring on the side of caution could precipitate a larger dispute with Russia.

The ultimate plan that was carried out was the compromise between Trump and Mattis, the Times reported.
Following the news of the strike, several Democratic lawmakers called for a new Authorization for Use of Military Force, which has been used as justification for military action in the broader US fight against terrorism.

"The President must come to Congress and secure an Authorization for Use of Military Force by proposing a comprehensive strategy with clear objectives that keep our military safe and avoid collateral damage to innocent civilians," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said in a statement Friday night.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/17/polit...ike/index.html

The plan they worked out went flawlessly. Very impressive execution.

Pentagon denies this New York Times report as: FALSE.

EVEN IN WAR, FAKE NEWS ROARS. SHAMEFUL MEDIA!!

GRRRR!!

Originally Posted by Judy

Pentagon denies this New York Times report as: FALSE.

EVEN IN WAR, FAKE NEWS ROARS. SHAMEFUL MEDIA!!

GRRRR!!

Who is to say who is being truthful these days and who isn't? It's getting to where you can't trust anyone's word and that includes the Pentagon. I know there is a lot of "fake news" out there, but lately I'm starting to wonder if the term isn't be over utilized as a cover. Just a thought. Personally, I don't think the news media should be basing whole story lines on the sole information of anonymous sources.

A "cover" for what?

Originally Posted by Judy

A "cover" for what?

A cover to hide the truth.

So you think FAKE NEWS is REAL NEWS?

Originally Posted by Judy

So you think FAKE NEWS is REAL NEWS?

Read my original response for the answer to your question.

MW wrote:

Who is to say who is being truthful these days and who isn't? It's getting to where you can't trust anyone's word and that includes the Pentagon. I know there is a lot of "fake news" out there, but lately I'm starting to wonder if the term isn't be over utilized as a cover. Just a thought. Personally, I don't think the news media should be basing whole story lines on the sole information of anonymous sources.