Republican Senator Mitt Romney has spoken out to defend President Joe Biden’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon, saying Biden is right waiting to order it to be shot down in the sea.
The senator from Utah spoke on Thursday as he left a secret briefing about the balloon that flew over the US for four days before it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina.
“I believe that our administration, the president, our military and intelligence agencies act skillfully and carefully,” Romney said, according to CNN’s Manu Raju. “At the same time, his ability is incredibly good,” the senator added.
“Is everything done 100% correct? I can’t imagine doing almost anything. But I went [from the briefing] more confident,” Romney told reporters.
Asked if he agreed with the decision to wait to launch the balloon until it reached the ocean, where there was no risk to people, he replied: “yes already,” reported Raju.
Romney’s position is a departure from other Republicans who have talked about spy balloons and who believe they should be blown out of the sky as soon as they appear.
GOP criticism of Biden’s approach was further muted last weekend after the Defense Department reported that three suspected Chinese spy balloons had previously crossed over the US during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) and Jim Jordan (Ohio) has lied admit earlier Trump would not allow Chinese spy balloons to reach the US
Romney was also pressed for his reaction to criticism by serial fabulist Rep. George Santos (RN.Y.) that the senator’s attack on the State of the Union address were “not very Mormon,” referring to Romney’s religion.
“I have no comment on that,” Romney told Raju. “I’ve said everything I’m going to say on that topic. Romney reported to Santos, who is being investigated for a long string of lies, that should not exist. Santos had arrived early to claim the coveted center aisle seat, where lawmakers often stand at the event for a chance to shake hands with the president. “Look, the puppy is sick. It shouldn’t be there,” Romney toward reporters after Biden’s speech. “Due to the fact that he is under ethical investigation, he should sit in the back row and be quiet instead of parading in front of the president. You certainly should not be in the hallway trying to shake hands with the president of the United States and the officials who come in,” he said. “It’s a shame.”