Donald Trump names new acting spy chief after dropping loyalist John Ratcliffe
- The US president said in a tweet on Thursday that Joseph Maguire will take over the acting post when Dan Coats steps down on August 15
- Trump dropped his first choice last week after questions arose about the congressman’s lack of experience and exaggerated resume
Trump said in a tweet that Maguire will take over the acting post on August 15, when Dan Coats, the current director of the agency overseeing civilian and military intelligence, steps down.
Maguire has led the National Counterterrorism Centre since December. He retired from the Navy after a 36-year career that included leading the Naval Special Warfare Command.
“I’ve known Admiral Maguire for some time and I have confidence in his ability to step into this critical role,” Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr said in a statement.
Coats said he was pleased that Trump had chosen Maguire to serve as acting DNI. “Joe has had a long, distinguished career serving the nation and will lead the men and women in the (intelligence community) with distinction,” he said in a statement.
Earlier on Thursday, the No. 2 official at ODNI, Sue Gordon, resigned, apparently reluctantly. In a note to Trump accompanying her resignation letter, Gordon said: “I offer this letter as an act of respect and patriotism, not preference. You should have your team.”
