In what some would consider an unnerving peek inside Donald Trump‘s transition to the White House, The Washington Post is reporting that the president-elect has been turning away meetings with analysts who are supposed to be briefing him on national security.
The info analysts look to provide Trump gives a summary of goings-on in all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies.
As opposed to his VP-elect Mike Pence who receives briefings every day, Trump has been briefed twice since he’s been elected.
According to the Post, “others have interpreted Trump’s limited engagement with his briefing team as an additional sign of indifference,” which some say is a dangerous addition to his obvious lack of foreign policy experience.
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The Post also points out that President Barack Obama took part in regular intelligence briefings after he was elected in 2008 and “also scheduled ‘deep dives’ on key subjects including Iran’s nuclear program and covert CIA operations, including the accelerating campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan.”
“The president-elect is missing out on a golden opportunity to learn about the national security threats and challenges facing our nation,” former CIA deputy director Michael Morell said. “…knowledge that would be extremely valuable to have when he takes the oath of office and when he steps into the Situation Room for the first time.”
From the Post:
Trump has yet to meet with Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. or other top intelligence officials — aside from an unofficial meeting with embattled Adm. Mike Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, who is rumored to be a top candidate to replace Clapper. Trump has greeted a parade of other officials auditioning for Cabinet positions, but also met with Indian business partners, television news anchors and figures in the entertainment industry.
According to an unnamed senior U.S. official, Trump’s need to get up-to-date on world events is crucial.
“Trump has a lot of catching up to do,” the official said.
But Trump apparently thinks he has things under control. Like he said during the election, “I know more about ISIS than the generals do…”
“Believe me.”
Featured image via ABC News screen grab
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