Director Ratcliffe Grilled on Signal Discussion Classification

Classification of Signal Discussion

• 🎯 Director Ratcliffe was questioned about who determined that a discussion on the Signal app was not classified.
• 💡 Ratcliffe stated that no classified agent was mentioned in the story, and the CIA officer involved was not operating undercover.
• 🔑 The National Security Advisor requested coordination via Signal, with the intention of providing further information on a classified "high side" communication channel.
• ✅ Ratcliffe asserted that the officer's communication of a CIA officer's name was appropriate as they routinely coordinate with the White House.

Fentanyl Threat Assessment

• ⚠️ The discussion shifted to the Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) and the omission of Canada as a source of illicit fentanyl.
• 📊 Ratcliffe explained that the ATA focused on the most extreme threats, with the primary assessment being that fentanyl threats continue to originate from and pass through Mexico.
• 📈 While acknowledging the President's statement about fentanyl from Canada being an "unusual and extraordinary threat," Ratcliffe noted that less than 1% of interdicted fentanyl comes from Canada.
• ❓ Ratcliffe offered to provide specific numbers regarding Canada's fentanyl contribution at a later time.