Ash Carter on Russia hacking: U.S. could go beyond cyber response
Outgoing Defense Secretary Ash Carter has been openly critical of what he says have been Russian efforts to sow seeds of global instability. Carter has worked at the Pentagon for more than two decades. In an interview with “CBS This Morning” co-host Charlie Rose, Carter spoke about the effects of Russia’s hacking and interference in the U.S. election.
“I think that it’s an aggression upon the United States, that we have responded to, but I would say that’s just the beginning. My guess is it’s the floor and not the ceiling,” Carter said.
“In terms of our response?” Rose asked.
“In terms of our response,” Carter replied.
Asked what tools our country has to retaliate, Carter said “our entire range.”
“You don’t have to limit yourself to a cyber response, and in fact we haven’t yet,” Carter said.
“Do you think it’s getting [President Vladimir Putin’s] attention?” Rose asked.
“I don’t know. It certainly is intended to have a tangible effect. Whether it changes his behavior or not, we can’t say,” Carter said. “And it’s early days. We’ll see. It’s certainly intended to have a tangible effect.”