After Returning From Ukraine, US Lawmaker Springs ‘Imminent Threat’ Warning That Dems Admit Is Nothing New

Update (1325ET): The market appears to have shrugged off seen through this latest distraction from Rep Mike Turner as more details are leaked.

First things first, Turner just returned from Ukraine (likely having promised to push for more billions for Zelenskyy).

Second, within an hour of the report, three Members of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee have told Politico that the National Security Threat caused by a New Russian Capability is “Disturbing” but that it is a Longer-Term Concern “Not a Today thing” and that, “It is a Serious Issue but not an Immediate Crisis.”

So, the question is – was this:

a) a distraction from Biden’s broken brain, or

2) a last desperate attempt to get more funding for anything-but-the-US-border, or

iii) a path to pitching Putin as the uber-bad-guy again after his interview with Tucker Carlson.

Either way – it seems like a nothing-burger (almost in their own leaked words).

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Update (1245 ET):  Sources have informed Haley Britzky, a Pentagon correspondent for CNN, that Russian capability is “highly concerning and destabilizing.” 

Sources tell @NatashaBertrand @KatieBoLillis @AnnieGrayerCNN the national security threat is a “highly concerning and destabilizing” Russian capability https://t.co/8wJahnPkHW

— Haley Britzky (@halbritz) February 14, 2024

Remember, it’s an election year—time for the federal government to amplify fear. 

Yup, election year https://t.co/wvq8DVO7Hx

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 14, 2024

Or better, distract! But distract from what?

Here’s what some X users are saying:

🤔 So the CIA is cooking up some new “national security threat”.

Who is the most likely “target” of this latest manufactured intrigue?

Russia? Iran? China? “Domestic terrorists”? 🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/PlWSKnWku1

— Will Schryver (@imetatronink) February 14, 2024

Zero surprise at what will probably be ever-increasing National Security Risk theater up to the election. It’s literally the only play left in the book to try to drum up some percentages of approval for Brandon, trying to scare news addicts.

— bruce says donate to pcrf (@dsxbruce) February 14, 2024

You mean another “serious national security threat”? Aside from the #BidenBorderInvasion, the fentanyl crisis, runaway debt, Iran and its proxies, and China? https://t.co/ram1FnBWCr

— Alberto Miguel Fernandez (@AlbertoMiguelF5) February 14, 2024

This is the #1 threat to US national security. pic.twitter.com/ih2NRaDEM6

— Darth Shatner (@_DennisBeard_) February 14, 2024

And what might that capability be, hypersonic weapons? 

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The chair of the House Intelligence Committee has been warning this week that time is running out for Ukraine in its fight against Russia as Ukraine aid remains up in the air. 

On Wednesday morning, House Intel Committee Chair Mike Turner released this statement: 

“Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat.

Turner’s statement continued: 

“I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat.”

Statement from Chairman @RepMikeTurner: pic.twitter.com/OA9yJuEPlf

— House Intelligence Committee (@HouseIntel) February 14, 2024

More on what this “national security threat” could be about. 

UPDATE – A democratic source tells NBC News that “This is a serious issue that could lead to a destabilizing situation and a national security threat”, source describes it as “potential foreign threat” https://t.co/mt52wZeXtj

— Faytuks News Δ (@Faytuks) February 14, 2024

Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, told reporters that he had already scheduled a classified meeting with congressional leadership before a top House Republican requested that President Joe Biden “declassify all information” that relates to “serious national security threat,” according to ABC News. 

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says he’s “a little bit surprised” House Intel Committee Chair Mike Turner scheduled a classified briefing for Members of Congress regarding “an urgent matter with regard to a destabilizing foreign military capability” pic.twitter.com/WBfJnLXpXI

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 14, 2024

“I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people,” Sullivan said.

Meanwhile, the president suffers from memory issues… 

And this statement by Turner could’ve been the catalyst that spooked stocks earlier.

Notice the selling programs that were triggered. 

Meanwhile… 

Top Intel Committee Dem @jahimes tells us this is not something to panic about. Says it is a “serious” issue that Turner right to focus on, but long-standing https://t.co/rDqZQLksYJ

— Erik Wasson (@elwasson) February 14, 2024

*Developing