**Pentagon Knew About Chinese Spy Balloon Much Earlier Than Admitted**
The Pentagon was aware of the Chinese spy balloon that traversed the United States much earlier than it has publicly acknowledged, according to a new report. The balloon, which was first detected over Alaska on January 28, was initially dismissed as a weather balloon by the Pentagon. However, a new report from The Washington Post reveals that the Pentagon was actually tracking the balloon as early as January 21, a full week before it entered U.S. airspace.
**Pentagon Officials Downplayed the Threat**
According to The Washington Post, Pentagon officials downplayed the threat posed by the balloon, believing that it did not pose a significant intelligence risk. This assessment was based on the fact that the balloon was flying at a high altitude and was not believed to be equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment.
**Balloon Traveled Across the United States**
The balloon entered U.S. airspace on January 28 and traveled across the country, passing over sensitive military installations and nuclear weapons sites. The Pentagon eventually shot down the balloon on February 4, but not before it had traversed the entire country.
**Pentagon’s Handling of the Incident Raises Questions**
The Pentagon’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon incident has raised questions about the department’s ability to detect and respond to threats to national security. The fact that the Pentagon was aware of the balloon for a full week before it entered U.S. airspace suggests that the department may have been slow to react to the threat.
**Calls for Increased Transparency**
Following the incident, there have been calls for increased transparency from the Pentagon. Critics have argued that the department has been too secretive about its handling of the balloon incident and that the public deserves to know more about what happened.
**Pentagon Response**
The Pentagon has defended its handling of the incident, saying that it took the necessary steps to protect national security. The department has also said that it is committed to transparency and will release more information about the incident as it becomes available.
**Conclusion**
The Pentagon’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon incident raises serious questions about the department’s ability to detect and respond to threats to national security. The fact that the Pentagon was aware of the balloon for a full week before it entered U.S. airspace suggests that the department may have been slow to react to the threat. There have been calls for increased transparency from the Pentagon, and the department has said that it is committed to releasing more information about the incident as it becomes available..
