The Acting Director of United States National Intelligence has announced major organisational changes to the Agencies under his control in defiance of Congressional concerns that he does not have responsibility to do so.
Richard Grenell (pictured), who is expected to be replaced in a few weeks with a nomination by President Donald Trump, said the changes were the result of a lengthy review and would make more efficient use of funds and enhance intelligence support for the Pentagon.
Mr Grenell, who also serves as US Ambassador to Germany, proceeded with the reorganisation after rebuffing a request last month for details of changes he planned from the Democratic Chair of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff.
Mr Schiff said it would be inappropriate for an acting overseer of the 17 US intelligence agencies to make leadership, staffing or bureaucratic changes.
A Senate Intelligence Committee official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Republican Chair, Richard Burr, and his Democratic Vice-Chairman, Mark Warner had called on Mr Grenell not to proceed with the changes without consulting Congress.
A House Intelligence Panel official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the fact Mr Grenell had chosen to ignore these requests at a time when he was due to be replaced anyway “demonstrates both a lack of confidence in the nominee and contempt for the oversight process”.
In his announcement, Mr Grenell said that the Directorate of National Security Partnerships would be eliminated and its functions folded into other offices.
The Directorate “synchronises and coordinates” civilian and defence intelligence activities”, according to its website.
The Trump nominee to replace Mr Grenell, John Ratcliffe, is expected to be confirmed by the Senate.
Washington, 15 May 2020
