Ok, Sparky.
Remember the debate during the primaries, where Trump expressed support for returning to some forms of torture to be used during U.S. interrogations?
In an interview with ABC News, Trump indicated he wants to resume the use of torture in order to fight back against groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) that have committed atrocities against U.S. citizens.
“We have to fight fire with fire,” he said.
But when pressed on whether he would resume the use of tactics like waterboarding, which simulates drowning, Trump said he would defer to CIA Director Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis.
At least he’s willing to allow for those with a bit more know-how to take the reins on a matter that is this sensitive.
There has been intense debate over the years, since it was discovered that the U.S. military used waterboarding – simulated drowning – to elicit answers from captured terrorists.
“If they don’t want to do, that’s fine,” he said. “If they do want to do, then I will work toward that end. I want to do everything within the bounds of what you’re allowed to do legally. But do I feel it works? Absolutely, I feel it works.”
Mike Pompeo, during his confirmation hearing, insisted that he would not comply with any order to go back to any methods that resembled torture.
Likewise, a national security expert told the Senate Armed Services panel that he didn’t see newly appointed Defense Secretary Mattis agreeing to a reinstatement of waterboarding.
The comments came as a draft memo leaked to the Associated Press shows the Trump administration is seeking to review interrogation techniques and the use of CIA “black site” prisons overseas. The White House distanced itself from the memo on Wednesday.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, also pushed back against any attempt by Trump to begin torturing terror suspects.
“The law is the law,” he said in a statement. “We are not bringing back torture in the United States of America.”
Well, alright then.
Be mindful of that magic EO pen Trump is getting so comfortable with.
President Trump on waterboarding: “I feel it works,” but will rely on team’s guidance and do everything “legally." https://t.co/89o6Nh7S4J pic.twitter.com/pFvBCYU7Yn
— ABC News (@ABC) January 25, 2017
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