In a statement Tuesday in Wilmington, Del., President-elect Joe Biden said President Trump must publicly name who is responsible for the Solar Winds cyber attack. Biden said it happened at “Trump’s watch when he wasn’t looking.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr have publicly stated that Russia appears to have been behind the attack.
Video transcription
JOE BIDEN: Enough is enough. In an age where much of our lives take place online, cyber attacks must be treated as a serious threat by our leadership at the highest levels. We cannot leave this unanswered. This means clarifying and publicly stating who is responsible for the attack and taking significant steps to hold them accountable.
Initial indications, including from Secretary Pompeo, Secretary of State and Attorney General William Barr, suggest that Russia – Russia is responsible for this violation. It certainly fits with Russia’s long history of reckless and disruptive cyber activities. But the Trump administration must make an official assignment.
This assault happened at Donald Trump’s watch when he was not looking. It is still his responsibility as president to defend American interests for the next four weeks. But rest assured, even if he doesn’t take it seriously, I will. Although I am disappointed with President Trump’s response, I was pleased to see leaders of both parties in Congress speak loud and clear about this attack.