Former Obama officials launch advocacy group aimed at Trump’s foreign policy

A number of former Obama administration officials have launched a new group targeting President Trump’s foreign policy.

The advocacy group, National Security Action, is co-chaired by former President Obama’s former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes and former White House deputy assistant Jake Sullivan.

The group includes more than 50 national security advisers and experts and seeks to oppose the Trump administration’s “reckless” foreign policy.

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“On behalf of the broader Advisory Council, we’ve stood up a nimble, campaign-like structure focused on putting forward an affirmative vision of American leadership,” Rhodes said in a statement.

“Given the enormous stakes over the next three years, we feel a sense of urgency about the need to substantially impact the public debate on national security and the future of America’s role in the world.”

Jeff Prescott, former special assistant to Obama for national security affairs, will serve as the group’s executive director, while former National Security Council staffers Rebecca Brocato and Ned Price will head up the group’s strategy and policy, respectively. 

A slew of Obama administration officials will also serve on the group’s advisory council, including former Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman, national security adviser Susan Rice, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power and chief of staff Denis McDonough, among others.

Sullivan said the group is committed to organizing a “relentless, and national response to this administration’s dangerous approach to national security.”

“This is not a new think tank or policy shop,” he said.

“Our role is to help shape the public debate on foreign policy and national security, holding Trump accountable and lifting up an alternative, affirmative vision. That’s what’s needed, and that’s why we’re here.”

The group plans to mobilize policy experts and leaders across the country.

“Not long ago, the United States was the undisputed leader of the free world,” the group said in a release.

“National Security Action will support and drive efforts to ensure America is once again.”