Consider This from NPR What Trump's cuts to intelligence could mean for national security
11 snips
May 26, 2025 
Richard Clark, a former senior advisor on the National Security Council and a counterterrorism czar, discusses the alarming implications of recent staff cuts in U.S. intelligence agencies under President Trump. He highlights how downsizing could compromise national security both at home and abroad. Clark delves into the critical dynamics between a president and their national security advisor, stressing the importance of trust. He also reflects on historical foreign policy decisions and the necessity of a coordinated approach to ensure effective governance.
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Clarke's 9-11 Testimony Anecdote
- Richard Clarke testified to the 9-11 Commission that he warned Bush's team about al-Qaeda's threat.
- He described a president wanting intelligence to fit pre-existing beliefs, not objective facts.
Trust & Role Conflict in NSC
- Having a personal trust relationship between president and national security advisor is crucial.
- Combining national security advisor and secretary of state roles creates conflict and reduces checks and balances.
NSC Downsizing Needs Purpose
- Reducing National Security Council staff size is acceptable if its essential role remains clear.
- Downsizing without defining the NSC's purpose causes national security problems.