TRANSCRIPT: At A Press Conference, Leader Schumer Demands Trump Stop Toying With National Security

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke at a press conference demanding that Donald Trump stop undermining national security by announcing he would refuse to approve FISA until the SAVE Act is attached to it and reversing course on Jay Clayton's nomination for Director of National Intelligence, leaving the inexperienced Bill Pulte to assume the role as acting DNI. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks, which can also be viewed here:

Trump's actions overnight make it clear he is undermining our national security. He doesn't give a damn about the American people's safety, plain and simple. And every action he takes undercuts our safety for his own ridiculous, sometimes even indiscernible, political motivation.

Trump's actions overnight make it clear. The fact that Trump withdrew Jay Clayton should erase anyone's doubts. Trump wants FISA to stay expired. Why does he want FISA to stay expired? That's a question the American people are asking because no one can understand the rationale for it.

Trump threw another grenade into the negotiations, again, by tying FISA to the SAVE Act. He knows deliberately that that will make sure that FISA remains in lapse.

And if he thinks that he is going to save his SAVE Act by attaching it to FISA, he's got something to come. We will never pass the SAVE Act. Never. It is so damaging to our democracy.

And every time the Republicans are searching for a path forward, Trump slams the door shut. He pulled the rug out from under his Republicans who were trying to find that path forward. What shambles. What an embarrassment.

Anyone have any doubts where Trump is at? Look at the chart here. This is Trump's hostage note. His quote, "I will not approve FISA." You got any doubts out there?

"We are canceling the Senate hearing." Again, pulling the rug out from under even people like Cotton and, of course, Thune.

And "Bill Pulte will remain as the acting Director of National Intelligence." A man dangerous, dangerous to our national security. Trump doesn't give a damn about our national security or the safety of the American people. He's holding America's security hostage.

Trump, Americans, Democrats and Republicans are telling you national security is not a pawn. Stop playing with it. Stop using it for what you think is your political advantage.

And then here's another thing he said. He said he wanted "to add a slight bit of intrigue." There can be no intrigue when it comes to protecting our national security. What Trump is doing is just a clear and present danger to America.

Congress has to conduct oversight to figure out what exactly Trump plans to ask Pulte to do and hold them accountable. Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to stop Trump and Pulte meddling with our national security.

We cannot and will not entrust the Intelligence Community to Trump's personal attack dog, Pulte, who has absolutely zero relevance experience.

Now Republicans must now choose: either cave into Donald Trump's hyper-partisan demands or work with us to protect our national security. It's on them. It's on the Republicans.

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