Washington– The Trump administration’s top national security officials, who will face back-to-back congressional hearings starting Wednesday, are expected to be pressed on the war in Iran, including… A fatal blow to the schoolAnd also FBI capacity To prevent terrorist attacks inside the United States.
The annual hearings on global threats involving senior government intelligence officials are being held at a time of scrutiny of the US military campaign in the Middle East and growing concerns about terrorism at home in the wake of the recent attacks on a synagogue in Michigan and the University of Virginia.
Testimony before the House and Senate Intelligence Committees is expected to focus on the war, and in particular the revelation that outdated intelligence likely led the United States to launch a missile that hit… Primary school in Iran More than 165 people were killed. The old targeting data reportedly came from the Defense Intelligence Agency, whose director, Lt. Gen. James Adams, was among those scheduled to testify. The White House says the strike is still under investigation.
The hearings, which begin Wednesday in the Senate and continue Thursday in the House of Representatives, are likely to address the administration’s internal debate over the war. Due to Joe Kent’s resignation this week As Director of the National Counter-Terrorism Center. Kent said Tuesday that he cannot “in good conscience” support the Trump administration’s war, and that he does not agree that Iran poses an imminent threat to the United States.
Hours later, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, whose office oversaw Kent’s work and who is expected to attend the hearings this week, wrote in a carefully worded social media post that it would be up to Trump to decide whether Iran poses a threat. She did not mention her view on the strikes.
Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe may also be questioned about recent intelligence assessments about Iran, including one that showed US strikes were underway. It is unlikely to lead to regime change In Tehran, another casts doubt on claims that Iran was Preparing for the first strike.
The hearings are also likely to focus on Kash Patel’s leadership of the FBI. It will be his First public appearance on Capitol Hill Since a video surfaced last month of him celebrating with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team after they won gold at the Winter Olympics.
He fired dozens of agents in his first year on the job, raising concerns about the exodus of national security expertise at a time when the United States faces a heightened terrorism threat.
This month alone A gunman wearing clothes bearing the Iranian flag The phrase “the kingdom of God” killed two people in a bar in Texas; Two men who authorities say were inspired by Islamic State have been arrested on habeas corpus charges Powerful homemade explosives for protest Outside the New York City Mayor’s Mansion. A man previously convicted of terrorism opened fire inside a house Classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia; And a Lebanese man born in Michigan He drove his car into the synagogue.
The FBI said it is working around the clock to protect the country.