David Ignatius: Can pick for intel chief speak truth to Trump?
Among intelligence professionals, President Trumps nomination of an inexperienced, partisan politician to oversee Americas spy agencies prompted deep dismay; but also a stolid reaffirmation of the spymasters credo: Lets get on with it.
This combination of incredulity and stoicism was voiced by a half-dozen current and former officers I spoke with Monday about Trumps choice of Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, to become director of national intelligence. The worry is partly that Ratcliffe lacks any real experience, and perhaps more that he has embraced Trumps deep state conspiracy theories about the CIA and FBI.
This makes the work force wonder, what are we doing here? said one veteran CIA station chief. But a few moments later he affirmed: This place is under siege. People say, carry on, protect the mission, avoid the firing range.
Analysts will be asking how well [Ratcliffe] will represent our product downtown, said a second former officer who served in a senior position under Dan Coats, the departing DNI. This former official predicted that it would take Ratcliffe a year just to understand the vast array of 17 intelligence agencies he will oversee, if hes confirmed.
The deepest worry among intelligence professionals is how the Ratcliffe nomination, and the intense partisanship that fueled it, will be perceived by Americas intelligence partners overseas. Theyre in wait-and-see mode, said a former senior CIA officer after canvassing a group of intelligence colleagues.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/ignatius-can-pick-for-intel-chief-speak-truth-to-trump/