DHS Secretary Mayorkas has announced the formation of a new group of intelligence experts, aptly named the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group. The group aims to provide advice and perspectives on intelligence and national security efforts to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis and the Office of Counterterrorism Coordinator within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The announcement has already raised concerns and caused outrage among conservative readers, as it includes two highly controversial figures – former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan. Both Clapper and Brennan have been heavily criticized for their role in perpetuating the false narrative of Russian interference in the 2016 election and for their ties to the Democratic party.
Despite past controversies and a lack of trust in their credibility, Clapper and Brennan have been chosen by Mayorkas to be part of this new group. This decision has raised questions about why these individuals, who have already been ousted from government positions, would be given such responsibility again.
Clapper, who famously lied to Congress about the NSA’s bulk data collection program, and Brennan, who called President Trump a traitor, are both known for their willingness to push the Democratic party’s agenda. It is concerning that they will now have access to classified information and influence DHS’s vital work to protect the country.
The group’s mission statement, as outlined in the press release, states that the experts will provide advice and perspectives on intelligence and national security efforts to support DHS’s work. However, it is unclear why another group is needed, considering the already existing intelligence and security agencies within the federal government.
Mayorkas, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Ken Wainstein, and Counterterrorism Coordinator Nicholas Rasmussen defended the creation of the new group, stating that it will enhance the department’s ability to protect the country. However, their justifications raise more questions than answers, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election.
With Biden running for re-election in 2024, it is concerning that Clapper and Brennan, both known critics of former President Trump, have been chosen for this group. This raises fears that the group may be used to target and silence Biden’s critics.
The decision to include Clapper and Brennan in the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group raises questions about the real motives behind its creation. This move, which is seen as a semi-rehabilitation of these disgraced individuals, also highlights the continued politicization of intelligence and national security agencies under the Biden administration.