By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Tim Weiner, author of *Legacy of Ashes*, warns that US intelligence is at a crisis point due to the current administration’s actions, particularly regarding the White House’s authorization of undercover CIA operations in Venezuela, which mirrors a long history of interventionism in Latin America. According to Weiner, the public nature of the operation decreases its chances of success, and the president’s disdain for intelligence reports raises further concerns. Weiner expresses skepticism that covert actions will successfully overthrow Maduro, cautioning that these operations could potentially make the situation worse. Furthermore, the author suggests that the CIA’s loyalty to the Constitution, rather than the president, may lead some officers to resist orders.
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Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—it’s a stark statement, and one that resonates with a lot of people, especially those who’ve followed Trump’s presidency and its aftermath. The idea isn’t exactly a revelation; after all, there’s even a Wikipedia page dedicated to Trump’s disclosures of classified information. That alone should raise red flags.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—the sheer volume of sensitive information Trump allegedly leaked is concerning. It’s not just about a few careless remarks. It’s a pattern, a repeated disregard for the fundamental principles of national security. Imagine the damage caused by revealing the identities of covert operatives or sharing details about sensitive operations. The potential consequences are devastating, potentially putting lives at risk and compromising the effectiveness of intelligence operations.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—this assessment likely stems from a deep understanding of how intelligence agencies operate and the importance of protecting classified information. People who’ve spent their careers in these fields are often uniquely positioned to see the potential threats and the scale of the damage. They’ve seen the impact of intelligence failures, the ways in which adversaries exploit vulnerabilities, and they understand the need for discretion and operational security.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—it’s not just about the leaks; it’s the broader picture of an administration that, in many ways, seemed to disregard the norms of national security. The alleged disregard for protocol, the lack of respect for intelligence professionals, and the casual approach to sensitive information all contributed to a climate of concern. It created an environment where sensitive information became vulnerable.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—the argument that Trump’s actions made the US a “sitting duck” for its enemies is a harsh one, but it reflects the real concerns felt by many people. The perception is that Trump’s actions are not only a problem, but that they specifically endanger the nation. It’s a sentiment born from the idea that Trump’s actions weakened America.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—the impact of Trump’s actions likely extended beyond the immediate leaks. It’s about undermining trust in the US’s ability to keep secrets. Imagine the damage caused by a president who is perceived as unreliable and prone to sharing classified information. This undermines relationships with allies, compromises intelligence sharing, and emboldens adversaries.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—the discussion here seems to acknowledge that it wasn’t just Trump. The focus is also on his administration and his supporters, with some people pointing out that it takes a network of people to bring about these issues. The implication is clear: the threat to national security wasn’t just a matter of one person’s actions, but a failure of the entire structure.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—the notion that Trump’s authoritarian tendencies are a security threat is also worth acknowledging. The concern is the potential for the president to abuse his power, to silence dissent, and to erode democratic institutions. In this view, a president who operates outside the bounds of the law, who disregards checks and balances, and who undermines the rule of law poses a serious danger to the entire structure of the government.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—it’s no secret that the political and social division caused by Trump is a national security concern. A fractured society is more vulnerable to both internal and external threats. It’s harder to forge a common front against adversaries, and it becomes easier for those adversaries to exploit those divisions to undermine the country’s interests.
Tim Weiner, CIA journalist: ‘Trump is the greatest danger to American national security’—it’s no surprise that there are serious questions about his physical and mental health. The comments about needing MRIs, undergoing cognitive tests, and showing physical signs of potential medical issues all contribute to this. The fact that Trump’s health is under such scrutiny is a reflection of the seriousness of the situation.