No.Nonsense.

Tulsi Gabbard stepped down from her position as Director of National Intelligence in order to focus on her husband as he battles cancer. Though her leaving was for valid reasons, it is no secret that she had been at odds with the administration over their actions in Venezuela and Iran.

So what did Trump do when the opportunity presented itself to replace her?

He appointed Bill Pulte to fill the position in the interim.

Bill Pulte had previously been serving as the Director of the Federal Housing Agency and Chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. His family has a long history with Trump and he is a devout sycophant.

He has zero experience in national intelligence.

Under Gabbard’s leadership, the National Intelligence office staff was trimmed by 40% after $700 million was cut from the budget. Trump wants Pulte to cut it even more.

But more to the point of this particular narrative is that in his prior position, Pulte went after Trump’s political opponents with unproven charges of mortgage fraud. These targets included NY Attorney General Letitia James who was instrumental in the criminal charges against Trump in the years between his two terms. Further charges were brought against Lisa Cook, Federal Reserve governor who was vocal about Trump’s fiscal policies. Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell, both very critical of the administration, suffered the same fate.

No criminal actions have been substantiated.

To have a man such as this in a role where he has access to the most sensitive information about the populace is a very dangerous thing. Trump has shown he has no qualms in practicing retribution against anyone who dares to speak up against him. He now has someone in a position that could make that revenge happen in the most egregious manner.

Furthermore, the proposed cuts in our national intelligence apparatus puts us at risk. This position was established after 9/11 to bring all intelligence operations under one umbrella in order to improve communication between the agencies. As we know well, multiple agencies were aware of the actions of the terrorists prior to the attack of 9/11 but because they didn’t talk to each other, 3,000 of our citizens died. The DNI had prevented a repeat attack for 25 years by insuring that everyone played in the same sandbox.

This position is one that requires the highest of integrity as well as a knowledge base of intelligence and military readiness. To put someone in the office simply because they will do your bidding is completely and utterly wrong.

Republicans and Democrats alike have been very open about their opposition to this appointment. Trump has prevaricated in saying he always intended for this to be a temporary placement. With that said, he still has his yes-man in position for now and can drag his feet in making his “official” nomination, giving Pulte all the time he needs to complete the directive.

Our national security should never be compromised by making the DNI a political position. This office is to keep us safe and not to be used as a weapon against the president’s opponents.

Trump, as usual, proves that the only purpose he cares for is his own.