The Rest Is Classified 24. Trump vs the CIA: Purging the Deep State (Ep 1)
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Mar 3, 2025 Explore the tumultuous relationship between Trump and the CIA, highlighting efforts to control the agency's direction and reshape its priorities. Delve into historical parallels with Carter's controversial reforms, leading to events like the Halloween Massacre. The podcast also uncovers recent upheavals within the CIA workforce and the implications of shifting focuses, such as counter-narcotics over traditional threats. Critical discussions touch on officer safety, data security, and the agency's evolving role in the political landscape.
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Trump's Conflicting Stances on the CIA
- Trump's early presidency showcased contradictory views on the CIA, praising them in 2017 while promising to dismantle the "deep state" in 2024.
- This reflects the complex dynamic between Trump and the intelligence community.
Trump's Distrust of Intelligence
- Trump's unique challenge stems from his limited prior interaction with intelligence agencies and his belief that they questioned his legitimacy.
- His disengagement from intelligence briefings and skepticism towards their findings further strained the relationship.
Risk of Politicization at the CIA
- There's a risk of increased politicization within the CIA under Trump 2.0.
- This could involve appointing political loyalists to key positions, potentially compromising the agency's objectivity.