As the transition unfolds, Trump eyes one of his favorite targets: US intelligence
WASHINGTON (AP) - Donald Trump has long viewed the nation’s spy services with suspicion, accusing them of trying to undermine his first term and campaigns. Now that he’s returning to the White House, Trump’s promises to overhaul the U.S. intelligence agencies put him on a collision course with one of most secretive and powerful parts of government.
For the CIA and other intelligence agencies, the start of Trump’s second administration is a way to reset an often challenging relationship with a leader who has in the past dismissed them as the deepest of the deep state - Trump’s label for the thousands of career federal employees that carry out the work of government regardless of who is president.
For Trump, the return to power offers an opportunity to follow through on promises to clean house of officials that he believes have tried to challenge his leadership and criticize his actions.
The stakes of the relationship with the spy agencies couldn’t be higher and are almost certain to be reflected in Trump’s appointments to top positions.