For the military this is a big deal. Anything related to intelligence gathering or psychological operations are strictly prohibited from targeting US persons. Psy-Ops and Public Relations are different job classifications, the training is conducted at different locations, they are different units. They are kept strictly separate at all times by multiple laws and policies to ensure that no once can plausibly accuse the military of targeting US persons with propaganda. Even if the general was just looking for a way to tell the truth in a way that the audience would more readily appreciate, the military can plausibly be accused of propagandizing senators. This is, or should be, career ending every officer involved.