The interview with Sue Gordon, the former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence during Donald Trump’s first term in the White House, on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that aired on Nov. 17, 2024, shed light on the importance of providing accurate and unbiased intelligence to the President of the United States.
Margaret Brennan welcomed Sue Gordon to the show and commended her for her service during the Trump administration. Gordon expressed her pleasure at being on the show and engaged in a discussion about the current state of intelligence in the government.
Brennan raised the question of whether the nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, and the potential CIA director, John Ratcliffe, would be able to provide President Trump with the information he needs to know, rather than what he wants to hear. Gordon emphasized the importance of delivering objective intelligence to decision-makers, regardless of personal preferences. She recounted her experience of briefing President Trump on Russian interference, even though he disliked the information. Gordon stressed the need for loyalty to the truth rather than to an individual, highlighting the challenging nature of the job.
The conversation then shifted to the process of vetting candidates for security clearances. Gordon emphasized the importance of thorough background checks conducted by the FBI to ensure the trustworthiness of individuals handling sensitive information. She expressed concern over reports that the Trump administration may opt for private firms to conduct vetting, potentially leading to incomplete assessments and security risks.
Gordon highlighted the potential for adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities in personnel to advance their interests, underscoring the critical role of thorough vetting processes in safeguarding national security. She urged the importance of upholding the trust of the American people, allies, and intelligence community members by ensuring the integrity of individuals with access to classified information.
Throughout the interview, Gordon’s insights underscored the significance of providing accurate and unbiased intelligence to decision-makers, regardless of political affiliations or personal preferences. Her commitment to truth and integrity in intelligence operations served as a reminder of the vital role played by intelligence officials in safeguarding national security and upholding democratic values.
