The Daily The Sunday Read: 'Unwanted Truths'
Aug 16, 2020
Robert Draper, a writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine, delves into the complex ties between President Trump and the intelligence community. He explores the 2020 election's Russian interference, highlighting a classified report that exposed Trump as Russia's favored candidate. Draper discusses the shifting dynamics in intelligence during Trump's presidency, marked by fear and self-censorship among officials. The conversation reveals trust issues, political pressures, and the struggle for integrity within the intelligence landscape.
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Episode notes
Avoiding Trump
- White House officials, including John Bolton and Mick Mulvaney, avoided discussing Russian election interference with Trump.
- They knew Trump would interpret such discussions as questioning his election legitimacy.
Pressure on Coats
- Dan Coats, then Director of National Intelligence, was asked to modify the NIE's assessment of Russian interference.
- Coats confirmed a staffer requested the change due to fears of upsetting Trump.
Sanner's Edits
- Joseph McGuire's appointment as acting DNI caused concern due to the NIE's conclusions.
- Beth Sanner, responsible for Trump's daily brief, edited the NIE, softening the assessment of Russia favoring Trump.
