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THREAD: Here’s an important @NBCNews story on how the president gets (or doesn’t get) daily intelligence.
But some nuances got lost along the way. Let me clarify in a thread.
First, the story—which nicely combines new reporting and historical context:
nbcnews.com/politics/natio…
But some nuances got lost along the way. Let me clarify in a thread.
First, the story—which nicely combines new reporting and historical context:
nbcnews.com/politics/natio…
The article’s main lines:
1. POTUS doesn’t regularly read the written President’s Daily Brief.
2. He only takes in-person briefings from intel officers irregularly.
3. He “frequently questions the integrity and judgment of the intelligence officials” who brief him.
Thoughts:
1. POTUS doesn’t regularly read the written President’s Daily Brief.
2. He only takes in-person briefings from intel officers irregularly.
3. He “frequently questions the integrity and judgment of the intelligence officials” who brief him.
Thoughts:
If Trump regularly skips reading the PDB, he’s the first president since Nixon to do that.
And even Nixon may have been reading it more than aides knew, if nothing else to ensure that he wasn’t being blindsided by National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger.
And even Nixon may have been reading it more than aides knew, if nothing else to ensure that he wasn’t being blindsided by National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger.
A distinction was lost in this line: “Trump has been taking in-person briefings about as often as former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, according to Priess's research.”
I’ve been clear: Trump’s frequency isn’t the same as, just *closest* to, Clinton’s and Obama’s...
I’ve been clear: Trump’s frequency isn’t the same as, just *closest* to, Clinton’s and Obama’s...
In fact, if the trend identified in Obama’s first term held, he averaged in-person briefings 2-3 days each week. Trump’s schedules show a lower rate, with some week-long gaps between briefings.
And, crucially, Obama read the PDB every day. Usually on a special iPad, seen here.
And, crucially, Obama read the PDB every day. Usually on a special iPad, seen here.
If Trump indeed “frequently questions the integrity and judgment” of intel officers who brief him, as the story claims, this is both smaller and bigger than it seems.
Questioning intel officials’ judgment? Sure. Presidents have routinely challenged briefers’ assessments. It’s normal, and healthy.
Questioning their integrity? Disturbing. The job and ethical foundation of intelligence is to call it like you see it. It’s all about integrity.
Questioning their integrity? Disturbing. The job and ethical foundation of intelligence is to call it like you see it. It’s all about integrity.
Finally: I’m quoted saying, “This is the first president that the intelligence community has had to deal with whose instinctive departure point is not the truth.”
Yes, I said it on @maddow Monday night. And I cited at that time the man who formulated it, @GenMhayden. Credit him.
Yes, I said it on @maddow Monday night. And I cited at that time the man who formulated it, @GenMhayden. Credit him.
