Dear Speaker McCarthy,
At my direction, on February 9, 2023, officers of the United States military briefed members of Congress regarding the incident where a Chinese spy balloon trespassed American territory and was eventually shot down. I ordered this briefing as a courtesy, out of respect for Congress as a coequal branch of government. I recognized that many members of Congress were legitimately curious and concerned about the incident and I sought to inform members of both parties as to available information, some classified, associated with the incident.
It was my expectation, no let me carry that further, it would be my demand that the military officers presenting this briefing do so in a professional manner respectful of the members of Congress they were addressing. Had they failed in that expectation, I would have exercised my authority as Commander in Chief to take appropriate disciplinary action, potentially including relieving them of their duties.
It is also my expectation that the members of Congress being briefed reciprocate the professionalism and respect I demand from my officers. Unfortunately, on January 9th that did not happen. One representative, Marjorie Taylor Greene acted in a rude, abusive and unprofessional manner towards the officers I sent to the Capitol to brief Congress. Representative Greene screamed and yelled at these officers with profanities including “bullshit.” What’s more, Representative Greene was unrepentant afterwards and even bragged about her non-professionalism. Representative Greene boasted, “I chewed them out just like the American people would’ve, I tore ’em to pieces.”
I sent these officers to brief Congress, not to be abused and harassed by a grandstanding member with a record of inappropriate conduct. Accordingly, I am issuing two directives in this regard.
- No briefings of this nature will be provided in the future if Representative Greene is present. If she is present I shall direct those assigned to conduct the briefing to leave. I shall consider rescinding this order should Representative Greene extend an appropriate and genuine apology to those she acted so inappropriately toward.
- I shall direct future military officers conducting such briefings to immediately terminate and leave the briefing if subjected to similar abuse from any other members of Congress.
I regret having to communicate this to you. I look forward to working with you to ensure future briefings to Congress are done in a professional and courteous manner. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely, POTUS.
