U.S. defense and intelligence officials strongly denied reports the United States is withholding or refusing to share any information or data with the Malaysian government regarding the missing Malaysian airliner.
Both defense and intel officials insisted the U.S. continues to share all military or intelligence data available while acknowledging there’s not been much to share.
According to one senior U.S. official, “It would be absolutely stunning if we have withheld anything.”
Attorney General Eric Holder, speaking at a news conference regarding the federal government's settlement with Toyota, said American authorities "are trying to offer whatever assistance that we can. But at this point, I don't think we have any theories that I could propound."
Holder said, "We will make available whatever resources that we have — whatever expertise we have that we might be able to, might be able to be used."
Defense officials confirmed that Malaysian Defense Minister Hishamumuddin Hussein called U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday to ask for any information being gathered by U.S. surveillance satellites and radar systems that could provide any clues regarding the missing Malaysian airliner.
U.S. officials said the Malaysian defense minister, facing a daily onslaught of questions and accusations, asked Hagel how to deal with the public backlash and demand for information. Hagel reportedly told his counterpart to be as transparent as possible, provide as much accurate information as possible in a timely manner, and try to stay ahead of the story.