NEWS: Michael Ellis—the White House lawyer who reportedly showed Devin Nunes intel reports in 2017 and discussed moving Ukraine call to top secret server—has been appointed sr. director for intelligence on the National Security Council. scoop w/@dlippman: politico.com/news/2020/03/0…
The office of the director for intelligence serves as the day to day connective tissue between the intelligence community and the White House. Sensitive information coming in from the intelligence agencies will go to that office, especially if it is in hard copy form... 1/
2/ The office also coordinates covert action activities between the WH and the intelligence community, and it’s where the NSC server is housed that stores the most sensitive classified information. Ellis’ new job was previously held by a career CIA officer detailed to NSC.
3/ @Mpolymer: The position “traditionally has gone to a senior member of the intelligence community, such as the CIA, the State Department, or NSA. It was an apolitical position, coveted and also seen as highly career advancing.”
4/ The role is particularly significant, @Mpolymer says,
given it oversees critical IC functions like covert action. “Managing the interagency process on covert action as well as advising the national security adviser on this key aspect of American power took finesse and skill."
given it oversees critical IC functions like covert action. “Managing the interagency process on covert action as well as advising the national security adviser on this key aspect of American power took finesse and skill."
