President Obama to Consider 'Proportional' Response to Russian Hacking

— -- President Obama will consider a "proportional" response to the recent hacks conducted by Russia, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said today.

"We obviously will ensure that a U.S. response is proportional. It is unlikely that our response would be announced in advanced. It’s certainly possible that the president could choose response options that we never announce," Earnest told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"The president has talked before about the significant capabilities that the U.S. government has to both defend our systems in the United States but also carry out offensive operations in other countries," he added. "There are a range of responses that are available to the president and he will consider a response that’s proportional."

Last week, U.S. intelligence officials said the Russian government directed the recent hacking of U.S. political institutions, including the posting of thousands of emails from political officials on sites like DCLeaks.com and WikiLeaks.

"These thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the U.S. election process," a joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security and Office of the Director of National Intelligence said.