NSA chief defends record at Halifax forum amid rumoured calls for his ouster
HALIFAX — The director of the U.S. National Security Agency defended his record at the Halifax International Security Forum as rumours swirl about calls for him to be ousted from his current post and a potential promotion in president-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
At a panel Sunday, Admiral Mike Rogers refused to address media reports saying America’s top defence and intelligence officials recommended his dismissal.
“Just let me cut to the chase, because I’m interested in saving us all some time,” Rogers said in response to a question from the audience. “I am just not going to go down this road.”
The audience member referred to a report in the Washington Post saying Defence Secretary Ash Carter and National Intelligence director James Clapper wrote a letter to President Barack Obama advising that Rogers be relieved from his duties in his dual role as head of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command.