CNN: White House Expected Bergdahl Backlash, But Not to This Degree

CNN’s Jim Acosta reported Thursday morning that the Obama administration had anticipated some controversy surrounding the release of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, but did not expect the intense backlash that has occurred in the past few days, especially not the criticism of Bergdahl’s parents.

“A White House official tells me despite that feel-good moment in the White House Rose Garden with Bowe Bergdahl’s parents last Saturday, they were expecting some criticism, some controversy over the deal that resulted in Bergdahl being freed,” Acosta said on CNN’s New Day. “What they were not prepared for were some of the harsh comments being made about not only Bergdahl but also his family.”

RELATED: Scarborough, Todd Erupt over Bergdahl’s Dad: ‘Don’t Criticize the Parents in Here’

“They’re pointing to Republican lawmakers who are accusing Bergdahl of being a deserter,” Acosta said, “and even some comments made by conservative pundits that Bergdahl’s father looked Muslim because of his long beard he was wearing next to the president in the Rose Garden over the weekend.”

“Administration officials are cautioning that it is way too early to draw any conclusions about the events that led to Bowe Bergdahl’s capture,” Acosta added.

Watch the clip below, via CNN:

[Image via screengrab]

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