CIA's Haspel not allowing intel on Russia to get to White House: Sources
The CIA is not relaying all the intelligence about Russia to the White House, probably over fears of displeasing President Donald Trump.
"CIA Director Gina Haspel has become extremely cautious about which, if any, Russia-related intelligence products make their way to President Donald Trump’s desk," Politico said in a report Wednesday after interviewing nine current and former officials.
The American intelligence agency's chief often disagrees with the fabled “Russia House,” analysts, sometimes accusing them of misleading her purposefully.
'Check intel before it goes downtown'
One former CIA lawyer called it “unprecedented that a general counsel would be involved to this extent.”
The official was referencing Haspel's appointment of the CIA’s general counsel, Courtney Elwood, to check any intelligence "Russia House" produces before it “goes downtown” to the White House.
One administration official argued that the reduced Russia-related intelligence was a matter of “quality over quantity.”
A spokesperson with the Central Intelligence Agenc, meanwhile, asserted that Haspel's attitude is not politically motivated.
“Scrutinizing intelligence product and process is exactly what is expected of Director Haspel not only because it’s her job, it’s her life’s work — developing sources, vetting information, and checking assumptions — it’s in her blood,” said CIA press secretary Timothy Barrett. “She rightfully asks difficult questions and ensures intelligence is corroborated, double-checked, and then run through the wringer once more. Any suggestion of a political motive for how she leads this agency is misguided.”
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