President-elect Joe Biden disputed President Donald Trump’s assertion that the widespread hack that has compromised numerous public and private-sector entities is under control.
“I see no evidence that it's under control, I see none, heard of none,” Biden said. “The Defense Department won't even brief us, on many things. So I know of nothing that suggests it's under control. It is a grave risk and it continues.”
The president-elect took questions after prepared remarks he delivered Tuesday and was responding to questions from a reporter who referenced Trump’s tweets over the weekend that claimed the media was inflating the seriousness of the breach.
Biden also called on the president to officially attribute the breach to Russia. Such an attribution—as well as a thorough assessment of any damage from the hacking campaign—would be necessary before deciding on a response, which he again committed to making.
“Initial indications, including from Secretary Pompeo and Attorney General Barr suggest that Russia is responsible for this breach,” he said. “It certainly fits Russia’s long history of reckless and disruptive cyber activities, but the Trump administration needs to make an official attribution.”
Pressed by the reporter on whether the perpetrators had engaged in an act of war, Biden gave a measured response based on international law.
“The question of the damage done remains to be determined, we have to look at very closely the nature of the breaches, how extensive they are, and what damage has been done,” he said. “Let us determine what the extent of the damage is, and I promise you there will be a response.”
Biden thanked Congressional Republicans, specifically, who have raised the gravity of the issu ..
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