The Trump administration has reportedly dismissed April Falcon Doss from her position as general counsel at the National Security Agency (NSA).
This decision comes in the wake of an investigation that revealed her previous involvement in probing allegations of President Donald Trump's collusion with Russia post the 2016 election. The New York Times, citing multiple former officials, reported on Doss' termination.
According to the Daily Caller, Doss was discreetly appointed as the NSA's general counsel in 2022. Sources indicated that the agency was wary of announcing her hiring, fearing it might raise concerns among Capitol Hill Republicans.
A July investigation by the Daily Wire highlighted Doss' role in aiding Senate Democrats in their inquiry into Russian interference during the 2016 election. Her work was closely tied to the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation, particularly with Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia.
The committee conducted extensive interviews to explore potential connections between Trump and Russia, with Doss serving as senior counsel for the Democrats' investigation. Business Insider had previously reported in 2017 about her involvement in the committee's efforts.
Senator Warner, in response to Doss' dismissal, expressed his disapproval, stating, "Her dismissal appears to be the result of a politically motivated smear campaign driven by a far-right conspiracy theorist, not any legitimate concern about her conduct or qualifications."
He further emphasized that undermining experienced, nonpartisan professionals like Doss weakens national security and hampers efforts to protect the nation from genuine threats.
Doss has been vocal in her criticism of conspiracy theories, particularly on social media. In a 2021 article for Just Security, she criticized the proliferation of such theories and supported the suspension of Trump's social media accounts following the events of January 6.
She argued that the rise of conspiracy theories and the rapid spread of anti-vaccination propaganda necessitated addressing systemic disinformation issues. Furthermore, Doss has written about how digital platforms can undermine civil rights, claiming that social media platforms like Facebook reinforce structural racism and can be used to disseminate disinformation, particularly referencing the 2016 election.
The firing of Doss coincides with the release of documents by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) from the Obama White House concerning the 2016 election.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that these documents contained "manufactured and politicized intelligence." The NSA has declined to comment on the matter, and the ODNI has not yet responded to the Daily Caller's request for comment.
This development raises questions about the politicization of intelligence and the potential impact on national security. The dismissal of a seasoned professional like Doss could be seen as a move that prioritizes political considerations over expertise and experience, potentially leaving the nation vulnerable to real threats.
As the debate over the role of social media in spreading disinformation continues, the implications of such decisions on national security and civil rights remain a critical area of concern.
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