Meghan Hughes (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said President Obama should replace General James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence (DNI). 

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning, Clapper said the Gaddafi regime in Libya would “prevail” over Libyan rebels. Clapper had previously called the Muslim Brotherhood a “secular” organization and was unfamiliar with a major anti-terror raid in London to foil an Al-Qaeda inspired attack.

Graham said:

“The situation in Libya remains tenuous and the DNI Director’s comments today on Gaddafi’s “staying power” are not helpful to our national security interests.  His comments will make the situation more difficult for those opposing Gaddafi.  It also undercuts our national efforts to bring about the desired result of Libya moving from dictator to democracy.  

“Some of his analysis could prove to be accurate, but it should not have been made in such a public forum.  If he felt the need to say what he did, then they should have moved into closed session.   

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first questionable comment from the DNI Director.  However it should be the final straw.” 

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