Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) is not pleased with President Donald Trump even considering a possible pardon of former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden.
Cheney took to Twitter with her concerns about Snowden whom she describes as a “traitor.”
“Edward Snowden is a traitor,” Cheney tweeted on Sunday as she reiterated that he is “responsible for the largest and most damaging release of classified info in US history.”
She continued, “He handed over US secrets to Russian and Chinese intelligence putting our troops and our nation at risk.”
Not mincing words, the Wyoming lawmaker concluded with her thoughts on a possible pardon for Snowden.
“Pardoning him would be unconscionable,” Cheney said.
Edward Snowden is a traitor.
— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) August 16, 2020
He is responsible for the largest and most damaging release of classified info in US history.
He handed over US secrets to Russian and Chinese intelligence putting our troops and our nation at risk.
Pardoning him would be unconscionable.
Cheney’s remarks came shortly after Trump addressed the situation during a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, saying, “I’m going to start looking at it.”
In 2013, Snowden leaked a series of secret U.S. Intelligence files that revealed “vast domestic and international surveillance operations carried out by the NSA,” as previously reported on IJR.
However, he never faced espionage charges for his actions because he fled to Russia where he was given asylum.
On Saturday, Trump also claimed Democrat and Republican lawmakers were divided in their stance on Snowden.
“It seems to be a split decision,” Trump told reporters. “Many people think he should be somehow treated differently. And other people think he did very bad things.”
The president’s current stance has raised lots of eyebrows as it appears to be a sharp reversal in opinion compared to his previous remarks.
While former President Barack Obama was in office, Trump tweeted about Snowden dozens of times as he criticized the Obama administration’s handling of the situation. Trump repeatedly claimed he would handle things differently if he were president.
Before toying w/pardoning Snowden, as he did again today, Trump tweeted 35 times, saying how he was a traitor who should be executed.
— Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) August 16, 2020
Another:
"Isn't it sad the way Putin is toying with Obama regarding Snowden. We look weak and pathetic. Could not happen with.a strong leader!" pic.twitter.com/00FzGSImt3
Prior to his presidency, Trump suggested Snowden be executed.