Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said Thursday he has confidence in the men and women of the intelligence community, but he does not feel safe with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell taking over as the department's acting head.
"I spent my entire life, professional life, in intelligence, and I found the position of director of national intelligence very tough," Clapper told CNN's "New Day." "I can't imagine the challenge that somebody has in that position learning the ABCs of intelligence on the job."
In addition, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, enacted based on the findings of the 9/11 Commission, stipulates that the director's position should be filled by someone with extensive experience in national security, Clapper said.
"I'd also comment ... that this turnover in having a series of [acting directors] is not good for the [intelligence] community," said Clapper. "I really feel for the men and women of the intelligence community because of the lack of continuity and stability that this constant turnover represents."
However, Clapper said there are those in President Donald Trump's camp who believe that rather than having the director seat filled by a person with a career in professional intelligence, it's better that "somebody come in and be disruptive and shake up the community."
It will be interesting to see how Grenell handles the matter that the assessments of the intelligence community don't always line up with Trump's world view, said Clapper.
"That is a concern of mine, that the views of the intelligence community would be suppressed," he added.
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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