Ordered DNI and CIA to report on preventing intelligence community influence in elections
January 20, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Why Level 3?
Multiple guardrails bypassed: institutional integrity, separation of powers, intelligence independence. Order based on unfounded claims could be used to target officials. Measurable harm to intelligence community independence and integrity.
What Happened
Context
President Trump signed executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and CIA Director to submit a report within 90 days with recommendations for additional 'disciplinary action' to prevent intelligence community influence in elections.
Action Taken
Signed executive order on January 20, 2025 directing the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and CIA Director to submit a report within 90 days with recommendations for additional 'disciplinary action' to prevent intelligence community influence in elections. The order suggests intelligence agencies have inappropriately influenced elections. Critics argue the order is based on unfounded claims and could be used to target intelligence officials who provided accurate information about foreign interference or other threats. The order raises concerns about politicization of intelligence agencies.
In His Own Words
"The intelligence community has interfered in our elections."
"We need to prevent future interference by intelligence officials."
"Disciplinary action is necessary to protect our democracy."
What's Wrong
Executive order directing intelligence community to investigate itself for alleged election interference based on unfounded claims. Order suggests intelligence agencies have inappropriately influenced elections, contradicting evidence. Critics argue the order could be used to target intelligence officials who provided accurate information. Raises concerns about politicization of intelligence agencies.
Impact
Institutional: Undermines independence and integrity of intelligence agencies. Operational: Order could be used to target intelligence officials who provided accurate information. Political: Raises concerns about politicization of intelligence community. Legal: Questions about authority to direct intelligence community to investigate itself.