Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs: I had gag order on drone program

Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, discussing the Obama administration's transparency regarding the controversial drone program, said on MSNBC on Sunday that he was effectively under a gag order on the program while working for the Obama administration. Gibbs said his bosses barred him from acknowledging its existence or discussing it in any way while he was press secretary.

"When I went through the process of the press secretary, one of the first things they told me was: 'You are not even to acknowledge the drone program. you are not even to discuss that it exists,'" Gibbs said, explaining why he could not be more candid with reporters on the issue.

He added that he did not think the administration did itself any favors by stonewalling reporters on the issue.

"Our denial of the existence of a program when it's obviously happening undermines peoples' confidence overall in the decisions that their government makes," Gibbs said.

Gibbs likened the official line from the administration on the program to the "Wizard of Oz" idea of "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."

"Here's what's inherently crazy about that proposition: You're being asked a question based on reporting of a program that exists," Gibbs said.

• Amid protests, Brennan defends drone program
• Congress looks to limit drone strikes

Critics of the drone program have raised concerns both about the lack of transparency in the execution of the program and the legal and moral issues raised by the decision to terminate individuals, including American citizens, without a trial or any semblance of due process.

Supporters contend that the unmanned drone program has greatly enhanced the efficacy of counterterrorism efforts, arguing that anyone targeted by a drone has forfeited their right to due process by identifying as an enemy combatant.

[mary-miami]

So what? Do you think the Bush administration was very "open" about everything it did? To protect national security many things have to be kept quiet. That's the way it is and has to be in any government. As far as drones are concerned...they're good because they protect our soldiers lives. The drone might be hit but no soldier will die.

[easymoola]

'The most transparent Presidency evah'

[bobw101]

decencyplease replies:

Did George WMD Bush have a gag order out when Cheney revealed the identity of a covert CIA agent for political purposes????

------

You seem to think because Bush (or anybody you can think of) was a POS that gives Obama a license to be the same.

[535Clownsplusone]

Ummmm . . . You missed Nixon and the Civil War Mr Decency.

[bobw101]

decencyplease replies:

Did Ronnie Ray Gun have a gag order on Oliver North while he was committing treason when running Iran-Contra????

-----------

I think you missed your window on that one. What the he11 does that have to do with a drone war that has killed thousands of innocent civilians (including an american citizen and his 16 year old son). ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!

[Mike239239]

People that move to a foriegn country that is hostile to the US and join with that countries terrorist are no longer US citizens they are enemy combatents.

[truthvtold]

"Our denial of the existence of a program when it's obviously happening undermines peoples' confidence overall in the decisions that their government makes," Gibbs said.

That is the smartest thing that Gibbs has said since he appeared on TV for the first time !!!

[highlndr55]

Transparent: the OBAMA administration should be called the most OPAQUE administration in history. This administration has kept so much SECRET who really knows what is real and what is fake. Most is FAKE.

[wfw3536]

Obama promised to be the most transparent president ever if elected. What a joke. Although, the blame also goes to our national media who are so in the tank for Obama that they refuse to do stories, or hold stories just to help this administration.

[matt6052]

The label of "enemy combatant" is one that the operators of the drone program place on the target.

[jhnjdy]

And then you re-elected the liar to a second term.

[brsinai]

Never underestimate the stupidity of the American people.