Nunes calls out Pentagon over plagiarism

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 8 years ago on

November 17, 2016

House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes (R-Fresno/Clovis/Visalia) called out Pentagon officials in a hearing today over lifting information from Wikipedia for a report about building the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex at Croughton Air Base, 70 miles northwest of London.

At the hearing today (Thursday), Nunes wanted to know whether James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, Robert Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense, and Marcel Lettre, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence were aware that information in that report specifically about a military facility in the Azores were plagiarized from Wikipedia.

The trio denied knowing about it and deflected most questions.

“I am just alarmed that we would rely on Wikipedia, free online encyclopedia, that is famously known for most high school students plagiarizing their homework, that the Department of Defense would even use Wikipedia to provide information to Congress,” Nunes chided Work.

“Is it appropriate to take information off of Wikipedia and provide it to the Congress?” Nunes asked.

“I would say I am surprised this comes directly form a Wikipedia page,” Work responded.

The full video of the hearing can be viewed here.

E-mail David Taub

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Top Justice Department Official Is Now Also Acting Librarian of Congress

DON'T MISS

Trump Tower Damascus? Syria Seeks to Charm US President for Sanctions Relief

DON'T MISS

How Real ID Can Exclude ‘Real’ Americans From Flying, Voting and More

DON'T MISS

Fresno Police Cite 140 During 10-Hour Weekend Operation

DON'T MISS

Trump Plans to Accept Luxury 747 From Qatar to Use as Air Force One

DON'T MISS

What the World Needs From Pope Leo

DON'T MISS

Trump Orders Drugmakers to Cut Prices in 30 Days

DON'T MISS

Pope Leo XIV Urges Release of Imprisoned Journalists, Affirms Gift of Free Speech and Press

DON'T MISS

What to Know About Food Poisoning Illnesses Caused by Listeria

DON'T MISS

Economic Jitters and Soaring Gold Prices Create a Frenzy for US Jewelry Merchants

UP NEXT

Trump Plans to Accept Luxury 747 From Qatar to Use as Air Force One

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Derick JC Miller

UP NEXT

Visalia Police Chase Ends in Crash at CalFire Station, Two Teens in Custody

UP NEXT

Two Teens Charged in Shooting Death of Caleb Quick

UP NEXT

Got An Idea for a Valley Documentary? CMAC’s Big Tell Contest Seeks Applicants

UP NEXT

Elizabeth Smart Shares Harrowing Kidnap, Assault Experience with Fresno

UP NEXT

Fresno Police Officer Arrested on Sexual Battery Charges

UP NEXT

New Fresno Judge Baloian Uses Experience on Both Sides of Legal Table

UP NEXT

Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Michael Lee Brewer

UP NEXT

Visalia Smoke Shop Shut Down After Illegal Marijuana Sales Discovered

David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email