E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSPresident Barack Obama answered a range of questions Wednesday at the White House in his first press conference since being re-elected. NBC's Chuck Todd reports.
Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Ex-CIA Director David Petraeus speaks to members of a Senate Intelligence hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on January 31, 2012.
President Barack Obama said Wednesday that he has seen no evidence that a scandal that led to the resignation of CIA Director David Petraeus harmed national security.
“I have no evidence at this point from what I’ve seen that classified information was disclosed that in any way would have had a negative impact on our national security,” Obama said at a White House briefing.
Petraeus, a decorated four-star general who received widespread praise for the surge strategy in Iraq, resigned as CIA director on Friday, citing an extramarital affair.
Numerous federal government officials have told NBC News that the married general had a relationship with his biographer, Paula Broadwell, 40, who authored “All In,” a book about Petraeus’ leadership philosophy.
Obama brushed aside questions about whether he felt he should have been notified sooner of the investigation of Petraeus.
“Obviously, there’s an ongoing investigation. I don’t want to comment on the specifics of the investigation, Obama said, “The FBI has its own protocols in terms of how they proceed. … I have a lot of confidence in the FBI.”
The president was not informed of the FBI investigation that revealed Petraeus’ affair until Nov. 8, one day before he accepted his resignation.
FBI investigators who looked into a series of anonymous threatening emails sent to Tampa, Fla., socialite Jill Kelley later determined they were authored by Broadwell, multiple government and law enforcement officials have told NBC News.
Investigators have looked into whether Broadwell violated cyber-harassment laws or improperly possessed classified information, and Obama indicated that the investigation was “ongoing.” Law enforcement officials say they have developed no evidence indicating that Petraeus improperly provided classified information to Broadwell.
Earlier on Wednesday, NBC News confirmed from a veteran senator that Petraeus will testify Thursday about the attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
The Thursday hearing will be the first formal congressional inquiry into the September attack that killed U.S. Ambassador in Libya Chris Stevens, information management officer Sean Smith and security personnel Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty. Petraeus is also scheduled to appear at a closed hearing of the House Intelligence Committee on Friday.
As FBI investigated Petraeus, he and Allen intervened in nasty custody battle
Republican lawmakers have criticized the administration’s evolving explanation of what triggered the Benghazi attack. Officials early on said it was a spontaneous reaction during a protest about an anti-Islamic film. Later, it was termed a planned terrorist attack.
Commenting on the scandal involving General Petraues, President Obama says he's not aware of any breaches of national security resulting from the scandal.
Questions have also been raised about whether the consulate had adequate security and whether the State Department responded appropriately to requests for more protection.
Military analyst Col. Jack Jacobs (Ret.) said the sex scandal will affect the way Petraeus is questioned by Congress, because members were kept in the dark about the FBI inquiry that led to his resignation.
Defense official fires back, denies Afghanistan commander exchanged 'inappropriate' emails
“It will be interesting to see what tenor it takes and what the senators and congressmen, assuming he gets before both houses, have to say before talking to him. As you know, these hearings have a tendency to be less a question and answer period than it is an opportunity for the members to vent their spleen or talk about what they want to, so that part will be very, very interesting,” Jacobs said.
“In terms of extracting real information about what actually took place and what role the CIA had in what took place in Benghazi, I believe that investigation will determine that they had no role, that by the time the CIA could do anything, it was all over.”
NBC's Michael Brunker contributed to this report.
President Obama says he will "cooperate in any way that Congress wants" in an investigation around the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi while saying his administration did "everything we could to makes sure we protected our people."
NBC's Chuck Todd discusses the political fallout from Petraeus-Allen scandal, noting that the White House national security team is probably more worried about wobbly leadership at the CIA and in Afghanistan than political damage.
Related content from NBCNews.com:
- Emails on 'coming and goings' of military officials escalated FBI concerns
- Sen. Feinstein: 'We will need to talk to David Petraeus' about Benghazi
- Video: FBI agent search Broadwell's home
- CIA Director David Petraeus resigns, cites extramarital affair
- Video: Petraeus' stunning fall from grace
- Petraeus' biographer under FBI investigation over access to his email, officials say
- David Petraeus a battlefield 'hero' and savvy Washington insider
- Video: A ‘painful’ admission from Petraeus
Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook
Leave a Comment:
Four people died for no good reason. The administration then clearly covered up their incompetence. The affair thing with Petraeus is important for security reasons, but it is in no way as serious as the four deaths. I hope Petraeus simply tells the truth and then the chips can fall where they may.... This administration operates like the Three Stooges sometimes. Unbelievable....
It's funny how all the liberals in the government are busy kissing the General's backside these days, saying what a distinguised citizen he is. It wasn't that long ago that their wailing wall, Move On.org, was calling him General Betrayus!! What a bunch of hypocrites!!
General Betray-us now in charge of CIA hookers and will hand out guns w/Eric Holder in the new covert operation "Charm em' and arm em'
This reads like a cheap dimestore novel! Petraeus obviously has the goods on Obama and was going to tell all in the hearings. Obama, in a cheap attempt to save his hiney, unleases the beasts on Petraeus. Now, his life and career is seemingly going up in flames! But, wait, here comes the twist! He is going to testify anyway! I'm betting he hangs Obama out to dry! Nothing to lose now! Go for it General!
I fully expect Obummer to use exec. privilege to keep Petreus from testifying before it starts.
Now the latest thing is removing General Ward from his post as Commander of the African corps for spending too much money on personal trips. RIGHT. And demoting him to three star. I think that the real truth behind this is that Ward refused orders to stand down during the Benghazi attack. If he is charged with lavishly spending our money then why is Obama not being charged with the same thing. After all look at the vacations and taking Michelle to NY for a movie etc. And soon will come the Admiral in charge of the carrier battle group.
you are right he would loose his fat retirement if he tells the truth- blackmail always hides the truth
Unfortunately for Obama, he no longer has control of Mr. Petraeus but may use Executive Privilege for himself when the poop hits the fan so he can hide under the Oval Office desk.
Obozo let the unions block help getting into the Sandy because they were not union - whats a few more americans in bengazi the other people in the consulate were CIA or CYA or FBI they new what was going they left them there too - if you have seen the movie moneyball thats is how the adminstration views us - expendable
What is CYA? Is that Cover You Assets or California Youth Authority?
There's also a unit called CBB, Cover Obama's Butt, that would be Panetta, Hillary, Holder, Axlerod, Jarret, Daly and browless Carney. Petraeus is no longer's on the payroll.
About ten years ago maybe more another CIA director was about to testify before congress. However, he died the day before he was to testify. Hopefully, history will not repeat itself. The general should be very careful. He should have about ten body guards.
The way this is going down is so ridiculous.. A.G. Holder knew what was going on since late summer!!! You know that he had to have told the President about what was going on... What they did to Petraeus is very unfortunate... Why didn't they bring this up before the elections????? The Administration is trying to cover up "The Benghazi" affair.. Hopefully Petraeus will tell the truth.... Unfortunately this Administration will not tell the Americans the TRUTH!! Open your eyes people!! Our Own were KILLED!! And the President DID NOT DO A THING TO HELP THEM OUT!!
What a disgrace of a General. Parents have their kids in harm's way and this General's priorities are his Biography and a love affair. I hope you don't buy his book, and if you did, bring it back for a refund.
if you think Petraeus is going to say anything against obama you are mistaken - the thugs have him blackmailed and he's not going to say anything - just so you know the General is not a conservative Republican - it's doubtful he is a republican at all - but it's good to see that some of you folks don't care that four Americans are dead and all you care about is some supposed republican will fry for something the president should be responsible for - what character you have.
I think that the American public cares a great deal about the four Americans that were killed. That is why we are complaining here.
John - But it's also true that a great many people on this board don't care. All they do is chant Obama's name. They don't care about Benghazi, or much of anything else. They just want Obama to "win."
Bob--It's equally true that a great many people on this board have no concern for the truth if it gets in the way of their hatred of Obama.
Old Vet, You are right. Even if God Almighty testified that there was no cover-up, the haters would call him a liar. Their truth is the only truth--anything that contradicts their version will be a lie. But also, if God said there was a cover-up, the pro-Obama people would deny that. If there is indeed a cover-up going on, how do so many people on this board have so many "facts"? Good grief, these murders were horrible, yet both sides--the haters and the lovers--need to get real. This is not about "getting" the president or protecting the president.
I agree Mike. Let's not get in to the entitlement spending. We are teaching a whole class of worthless people that it's easier to suck off the system. Illinois probably would have gone red if it wasn't for Chicago. It's sad.
I hope when he testifies he implicates Hillary she is never around to testify! I think then Obama will try to throw her under the bus more so or ask for her resignation; Bill will step in for his wife and it then it will all finally blow up in there faces! It's and all around failure of leadership in the scrub get rid of his whole cabinet.
N. Serling If you are correct, "it" will hit the fan. BTW, I just read on another thread that Pres. Obama
is tallking to Russia's Pres. Putin on the phone about another visit and I wonder if Putin still thinks
S/S Hilliary Clinton is the secret power and if she is Hilliary will stick it to him as this damsel is not
waiting to be rescued
Why should she be rescued He threw her under the bus...
She Shouldn't can't stand her.
Paula Broadwell stated in Denver that U.S. Consulate officials requested for more reinforcement and security. Unfortunately, House Tea Party Republicans voted to cut funding for embassy and consulate security.
nice try- but not true- they had plenty of money. You and Obama will still be blaming Bush after Obama leaves ofc after his 2nd term. "I know I had 2 tries, but I should have had 4 we could of solved everything- sorry about the 20 Trillion in debt I left you with- but we sure did spend a lot on nothing- Entitlements sure did rise too bad jobs didn't."
SnakeEyes,
Obviously you missed the House Benghazi Hearings. Hillary's Under Secretary Charlene Lamb testifed the decision to deny additional Benghazi security was based on being unnecessary or unjustified. Budget cutting wasn't the issue at all. Got it now?
@snakeeyes, you should probably look into the entire issue before you chime in about it, or simply repeat a dem talking point.
First, Democrats voted to cut that funding, republicans finally caved in after all these years.
Secondly, the funding went through the month of September, from the previous years budget, thus it did not effect security in anyway shape or form.
Thirdly, It has been stated by Mrs. Lamb, that financing, personel and assests were NOT an issue in this matter.
Lastly, there are failsafes for security for embassy and consulate funding. Anything above and beyond budgets set aside specifically for the embassys and consulate's would fall under general military spending, thus they are ALWAYS covered.
One last tidbit of info for you to consider. Funding for embassys and consolutes have increased by over $1 Billion over the previous decade. an increase of more than 5 times the amount that was being put out for it only a decade ago.
The general's entourage was larger than Obama's/ Looks like many new faces in new Obama WH- many rats leave sinking ship old Chinese Proverb- I saw posted in the all-produced China product section at Walmart
I can not condemn him or his actions. I am not without sin in my life. Are you? We need to pray for him, his family, and all those that are involved in this mess. It is hurting alot of people. This hurt lasts forever.
I think that the adultery scandal is far less of an issue than the diplomat's death. I am sure that many DC types are engaged in some sort of sex scandal.
Don't be naive. This has nothing to do with Petraeus's personal life. This has to do with a covert operation by the Obama administration to funnel arms to terrorists.
Those MANPADS (shoulder fired missiles) somehow disappeared from the CIA Annex warehouse after the terrorist attacks but that's another issue the White House knows absolutely nothing about................or wants anyone to know.
One can tell if a ship is taking on water, because the rats will come to the top deck to stay ahead of the water. Otherwise they are usually down in the hold.
David Petraeus volunteering to testify before congress is not good news for Obama. If what he has to say was favorable or neutral for the president he would not have resigned.
With all the extremely high testosterone levels in military personnel, extramarital affairs are about as common as unaccompanied tours of duty.
What glues the military together is semper fidelis, so the deaths of the 4 Americans in Benhgazi would be hard for any career military personnel to choke down. I can envision David Petraeus' testimony leading to severe consequences for the administration...even to the point of impeachment of Obama.
I have little doubt that heads will roll.
No heads are going to roll because of these hearings. Reps and Senators will rant, bloviate, and maybe ask 1 or 2 questions. Obobo lied to the American people. We still voted him back. We deserve what we got!
Obama's getting the nice big black campaign bus ready, he'll be the only one not caught under it being the driver.......................old Joe may be spared as he harmless.
did you have doubts that romney would win or ACA would be overturned?
Wow, Petrais ruined and then made the fall guy for Bengazi. This all seems a little coinsidental to me.
Well when all is said and done, some of the dirt will come out but nothing will be done about it, as usual. This adminstration is a joke.
This administration is pathetic and expects us to believe "If the Obama Admin says its so - then it must be". They don't want us thinking for ourselves.
Patraeus knows everything about the Benghazi terrorist attacks, Patraeus has an affair, Obama and company find out and tell Patraeus to keep his mouth shut or the world finds out about the affair. Patraeus says screw you I quit, Obama and company go forward with the Patraeus character assassination in an attempt to soften the eventual devastating details Patraeus will divulge to this congressional inquiry (someday to a grand jury..) .. It's not rocket science.. Remember Watergate started as just a simple break in...
Obama did not need to do this. Nothing will come from these hearings. Obama has already won the re-election. Telling a lie during the campaign obviously did not hurt his chances for re-election (some would argue it won it for him). It's over. 4 people died, for nothing, and nothing will come of it.
Hey people, google 'the real reason Petaeus doesn't want to testify.' It gives the inside story on how the Obama administration was funneling arms to terrorists.
This could turn into another Iran / Contra Affair. Where is Oliver North when he is needed to take the wrap?
What a disgrace of a General. Parent's are sending their kids in harm's way and this General's priorities are his Biography and a love affair. I hope you don't buy his book, and if you did, bring it back for a refund.
You probably take everything at face value don't you??
The FBI found classified documents on Paula Broadwell's computer. I hope she was smart enough to make copies on them to hide somewhere. Apparently someone in the military thought it was important to give her information so the truth of what the Obama administration was doing could be known. Paula Broadwell's father himself said the truth has nothing to do with his daughter or her relationship with Petraeus.
Nothing will come of this. If this inquiry was important or likely to cause a problem, then, Feinstein wouldn't be involved. She'd be out playing bingo with the blue hairs.
or hiking a snow-topped, green-hazed mountain..au naturale
Dianne Feinstein has a history of being somewhat responsible. She initially called for Bill Clinton to step down after he was convicted of a felony while in office (perjury in a civil right trial)...She was later forced like all other Democrat law makers to stand by their man. We shall see if there are any American patriots left in the Democrat Party.
We need serious workers like Dianne Feinstein in this equation.. I find offense in the first comment..she is a strong woman that has brown hair.. who should not stand for pot-shots like this attempted. This is an incident that needs to be opened not only to find if there is responsibility (because someone is responsible for this incident happening - nothing is an accident) and corrective action so this does not occur again.
The ironic thing is that everyone says that the general did the honorable thing by resigning and that his behavior was against the code of conduct. It's too bad that the Commander-In-Chief isn't held to the same standard as everyone else in the military. Obama has nothing to fear since he has "Slick Willie" there to help him through this. You couldn't pin anything on Clinton no matter how many women came forward! He just laughed and fired up another cigar!