It’s easy to feel a bit sorry for the CIA. This powerful spy agency has a long history filled with mistakes—from the Cuban missile crisis to torture programs after 9/11. Yet, in a surprising twist, Tim Weiner, a well-known critic of the CIA and author of Legacy of Ashes, now seems to stand up for it.
In a recent chat, Weiner shared a thought-provoking scenario. Imagine being a CIA officer, dedicating years to outsmarting the Kremlin, only to see the U.S. supporting countries like Russia and Iran. This happened when the U.S. voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Weiner reflected, “You start to think, ‘Wow, the U.S. president has switched sides.’”
He’s not known for defending the CIA, but he values knowledge and understanding of the threats the country faces. His latest book, The Mission, explores how the CIA has changed since 9/11. It draws on interviews with numerous CIA officials and addresses the challenges the agency has faced, particularly its failure to foresee the rise of Al-Qaida and its various blunders, like the flawed intelligence on weapons of mass destruction.
One of the most shocking insights from Weiner’s work focuses on the CIA’s response to Russia’s influence in the 2016 election, where hacked emails were used to harm Hillary Clinton’s campaign. He noted this “audacious act of political warfare” played a role in elevating a controversial figure to the presidency. Weiner believes Trump isn’t a Russian asset, but rather an ally of Russia—a situation that complicates national security.
After Trump’s election, the CIA had to adapt quickly. The new CIA chief, Tom Rakusan, felt the weight of the situation and called on his team to prevent such interference from happening again. Weiner noted that agents used to focused on counter-terrorism were redirected to counter Russian interference.
Now, with Trump back in power, his disdain for the CIA creates tension. Weiner describes Trump as viewing the agency as part of a “deep state” trying to undermine him. This attitude leads to the appointment of inexperienced and potentially unqualified individuals in key national security roles, raising concerns about their effectiveness.
Recent developments have included Ratcliffe, the new CIA director, criticizing the agency’s original findings regarding Russian interference. He has also initiated a staff purge, which Weiner believes could leave the agency vulnerable.
The consequences of moving away from diversity in talent could also be grave. Historically, the CIA has benefited from having staff who reflect a range of backgrounds and expertise, which is crucial for effective intelligence work. Eliminating this diversity could weaken the agency’s ability to adapt and respond to global threats.
Furthermore, allies may become wary of sharing sensitive information with the U.S., a challenge to national security. This is especially alarming, given past incidents where confidential information was mishandled. The lack of trust in U.S. intelligence will only compound the risks associated with sending inexperienced leaders into critical roles.
Weiner emphasizes the importance of understanding foreign threats, regardless of past criticisms of the CIA. His concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the current administration’s ability to maintain national security effectively. “I lose sleep over the fact that Trump has put national security in the hands of ideologically blinkered individuals,” he shared, warning of the possible consequences of future attacks on U.S. soil.
Ultimately, Weiner observes that it may be up to the public to safeguard democracy. He pointed to recent mass protests as a reflection of citizen engagement and hope. As the situation evolves, active participation from the American people could be key to shaping a better future.
In today’s political climate, it’s essential to understand the balance between power, intelligence, and public involvement. With ongoing discussions about transparency and competence in intelligence agencies, Weiner’s insights remind us that knowledge and action are critical in times of uncertainty.
