WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu raised concerns about a Department of Defense program in which retired senior military officials, many of whom have lucrative ties to defense contractors, parrot administration talking points to the media while serving as supposedly impartial military analysts.

This program was initially publicized by The New York Times on April 20, 2008.  Yesterday the Pentagon announced a temporary suspension of the program, pending a review.

Congressman Wu’s letter is below.

April 29, 2008

The Honorable Claude M. Kicklighter
Inspector General
United States Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000

Dear Inspector General Kicklighter:

I have deep concerns about the recently reported public affairs operation at the Pentagon, which seems to blur the line between legitimate government information and propaganda.

The New York Times reported on April 20, 2008 that the Pentagon has been conducting a program in which retired senior military officials act as “message force multipliers” or “surrogates” as they propagate on major news networks the administration’s talking points on the war in Iraq and on detention conditions at Guantanamo Bay.  These military analysts, seen by the American public as impartial and authoritative, are granted special access to high-level Pentagon briefings and trips.  Many of these analysts have lucrative ties to defense contractors, which they can better serve with access to the Pentagon.

At best, this program is a vast and organized attempt to sway public opinion in favor of administration policies.  At worst, this program deliberately misleads the American public and undermines the credibility and integrity of the Pentagon, the military analysts involved, and the media organizations that employ or use them.  Furthermore, this program may be a violation of existing law.  I hereby request an immediate investigation into the facts and allegations raised by the April 20 news reports.

To be clear, there is nothing innately wrong with providing factual information to the public and the press.  The public deserves to know about the courageous and honorable work of our men and women in uniform.  What the public does not need, however, is propaganda driven by administration hands and unchecked by an irresponsible media.  Our country, and the world, deserves honest answers about this Department of Defense public relations blitz.

Very truly yours,

David Wu
Member of Congress