Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) said Thursday that NBC News anchor Brian Williams gave Edward Snowden an “infomercial” in the interview the network aired Wednesday night.
Williams helped fuel the argument to grant Snowden clemency, King argued.
“This is the whole myth that has developed around Edward Snowden. And unfortunately I think Brian Williams almost added to that last night, basically giving him an infomercial,” King said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
{mosads}King criticized Williams for not asking Snowden more hard-hitting questions in the hour-long interview special.
“Brian Williams did not ask Edward Snowden one question, give the name of one American whose rights have been violated, give one instance where the NSA has violated the statute, has violated the court,” he said. “The fact is that that all of this talk, they cannot give one example of any American’s right being violated. In fact, this is the most scrutinized, carefully regulated system we have.”
King called Snowden a “fraud” and said he agrees with the secretary of State that Snowden betrayed his country.
“I agree with John Kerry, for once I agree with John Kerry, that Edward Snowden is a traitor. He’s put American lives at risk,” he said.
As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, King said lawmakers have concrete proof that Snowden’s leaks have harmed U.S. national security.
“We have direct evidence of terrorist organizations that have changed their means of communications since Snowden made his revelations last year.”