Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said that Republican President Donald Trump should have nominated acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire to the position permanently, adding that Trumps replacement lacks experience.
Trump named U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell as the acting director of national intelligence (DNI) last week, replacing Maguire.
“I would have much preferred that the president nominate acting director Maguire for the post,” Collins told reporters Monday afternoon in Washington. “I care deeply about that position and believe the person needs experience in the intelligence community which regrettably Ambassador Grenell does not have.”
The post of director of national intelligence, which was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, oversees the 17 U.S. civilian and military intelligence agencies including the CIA. Collins helped write the law creating the position and is a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Nominating people to serve temporarily in the top intelligence post lets Trump bypass the Senate, which hasnt always seen eye-to-eye with him despite being controlled by the GOP.
Maguires temporary term was due to expire on March 11 and Grenell will have to step down by that date unless the president nominates someone to serve in the position permanently. If a nomination is made, Grenell could serve up to six months as acting director.
Grenell said on Twitter that hes only serving in the position for a period of time. “The president will announce the Nominee (not me) sometime soon,” he said last week.
Trump has only floated one name as a possible permanent DNI: Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.). Collins soon responded that he didnt want the job, citing his bid for a U.S. Senate seat. Trump said Friday that “four great candidates” are being considered and that hed announce his decision within the next fRead More – Source
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