Former national security adviser Susan Rice called President Donald Trump’s reorganization of the National Security Council “stone cold crazy.”
In a tweet Sunday the former U.N. ambassador criticized the president’s executive order, which puts White House political strategist on the Principals Committee but indicates the director of national intelligence and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would attend by invitation in contrast to previous administrations where the two (or in earlier years the director of the CIA) would attend.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer told ABC’s “This Week” Rice’s comment was “inappropriate.”
Rice also noted U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has been sidelined to sub-Cabinet meetings.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told CBS’ “Face the Nation” Trump’s national security team is impressive and he should use it.
"I am worried about the National Security Council who are the members of it and who are the permanent members of it. The appointment of [White House strategist Steve] Bannon is something which is a radical departure from any National Security Council in history," he said. "It's of concern this quote reorganization."
The NSC is headed by national security adviser Michael Flynn, who headed the Defense Intelligence Agency before he was directed to step down by superiors.
”What they have done is modernize the National Security Council so that it is less bureaucratic and more focused on providing the president with the intelligence he needs,” Spicer said, adding it’s about how intelligence comes in “and how we synthesize that data to make the best decision for our country.”
Former Defense Secretary and CIA director Robert Gates told “This Week” pushing the director of the CIA or the director of national intelligence and the head of the Joint Chiefs out of NSC meetings is “a big mistake.”
“I think that they both bring a perspective and judgment and experience to bear that every president, whether they like it or not, finds useful,” he said.
Trump has had a running battle with the intelligence community, questioning its conclusions about Russian efforts to influence the election and expressing anger about the leak of a 35-page dossier of unconfirmed allegations about Trump’s sexual encounters and business dealings.
He also has accused the intelligence services of partisan leanings.
The executive order issued Friday says the reorganization is designed to address 21st century threats that cross international borders.
In addition to Bannon, the Principals Committee will include the secretary of state, treasury secretary, the attorney general, the secretary of Homeland Security, the White House chief of staff and the Homeland Security adviser.
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