McMaster defends Trump tweets on UK attack

by Jordan Fabian - 09/15/17 1:56 PM ET

National security adviser H.R. McMaster dismissed criticism of President Trump’s response to a Friday terror attack in Great Britain.

In an early-morning string of tweets, Trump appeared to criticize British authorities for their handling of the strike and insinuating they knew of the alleged assailant.

“I think he means generally this kind of activity is what we’re trying to prevent,” McMaster told reporters Friday.

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Trump’s top national security aide said that Trump was simply noting British law enforcement is keeping an eye on terrorist groups seeking to carry out attacks on its soil.

“He didn’t mean anything beyond that,” McMaster added.

Trump wrote the attack was carried out by a “loser terrorist” and that people like the assailant “were in the sights of Scotland Yard.”

“Must be proactive & nasty!” Trump tweeted.

The president’s response angered British leaders, since they appeared to reveal details about the incident that were not yet public. McMaster would not say if Trump revealed privileged information.

“I never think it is helpful for anyone to speculate on what is an ongoing investigation,” British Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters in London when asked about the president’s comments.

Trump called May to discuss the attack Friday. McMaster did not characterize the president’s conversation with May, saying he was not on the call.

The White House said Trump conveyed “his sympathies and prayers for those injured in the terrorist attack” and “pledged to continue close collaboration with the United Kingdom to stop attacks worldwide targeting innocent civilians and to combat extremism.”

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