During his testimony in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee today, NSA Director Keith Alexander said Snowden’s claims that he could wiretap anyone he wanted to and at any time are “false.” via ThinkProgress
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) asked directly, “I saw an interview in which Mr. Snowden claimed that due to his position at NSA he could tap into virtually any American’s phone call or e-mails. True or false?” Alexander responded unequivocally, “False, I know of no way to do that.”
Collins’ appeared to be referencing a statement made by Snowden in an interview where he claimed “I, sitting at my desk, certainly had the authorities to wiretap anyone, from you or your accountant, to a federal judge or even the president, if I had a personal e-mail.”
You don’t necessarily have to take General Alexander’s word for it.
Former analysts and lawyers for the agency have also stated that some of Snowden’s claims are a “complete and utter falsehood.”
Of course, if you really believe a systems administrator at Booz Allen had the authority to wiretap the President of the United States, there may be no convincing you otherwise.