WASHINGTON — The White House said Wednesday that it was taking new steps to protect government secrets after WikiLeaks release of thousands of sensitive U.S. diplomatic cables. Officials said national security adviser Tom Donilon has appointed a senior aide to identify and develop reforms needed in light of the document dump.
The White House also spurned a call from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to step down if she had any role in directing U.S. diplomats’ spying on other foreign leaders. Assange’s call for Clinton’s resignation came in an online interview Tuesday with Time magazine from an undisclosed location.
“Mr. Assange’s suggestion is ridiculous and absurd, and why anyone would find his opinion here relevant is baffling,” said spokesman Tommy Vietor, adding Clinton was doing an “extraordinary” job.
The White House says U.S. diplomats do not engage in spying.
