Press Releases

Himes Statement on Attempted Politicization of Intelligence Analysis

Washington, DC — Today, Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee Jim Himes released the following statement:

“Reports that a senior ODNI official, Joe Kent, ordered intelligence analysts at the National Intelligence Council to alter their conclusion regarding ties between the Venezuelan regime and Tren De Aragua because it might be ‘used against’ Director Gabbard or the President would be the latest and most egregious effort we have seen to politicize intelligence under this Administration. It is admirable that Intelligence Community analysts resisted such political pressure and instead provided their objective assessment on an issue of serious policy and legal import. However, the leadership of the National Intelligence Council may have been fired as a result.

“Seeking to strongarm intelligence analysts to suit the agenda of the President, and punishing them when they refuse to bend, is a road to national security disaster— and yet that is precisely the road that this Administration has chosen. The Senate must not confirm Mr. Kent as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center without a full understanding of his actions.”