Dr. John Gentry, a Georgetown University professor and former CIA intelligence analyst, has voiced concerns about the increasing politicization of the intelligence community and the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
He predicts that these agencies will attempt to interfere with the 2024 election, much like their alleged involvement in the 2020 election.
Gentry, author of the book "Neutering the CIA: Why US Intelligence Versus Trump Has Long-Term Consequences," expressed his apprehension to Fox News Digital. He anticipates that the so-called deep state within the intelligence community will reemerge, viewing a potential Republican candidate as a threat to their internal policies.
Gentry's comments come in the wake of the controversy surrounding the New York Post's story detailing the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop prior to the 2020 election. Fifty-one former intelligence officials attempted to discredit the laptop, labeling it as a potential Russian information operation. The CIA approved the publication of this letter, as revealed by documents obtained by Fox News Digital in 2023.
Gentry believes that the downplaying of the Hunter Biden laptop story was politically motivated. A highly placed source informed him that it was done with the explicit intent to aid the Biden campaign. He also noted signs that current or former intelligence agency members are gearing up for the 2024 election.
Gentry highlighted a recent article by Marc Polymeropoulos, a retired CIA official, and former FBI employee Asha Rangappa. The article warned about the potential dangers of Trump's campaign rhetoric. Gentry believes it is crucial to monitor these individuals closely, as many have compromised their credibility with actions such as the 'Laptop 51' letter.
According to Gentry, the introduction of DEI policies at major intelligence agencies, including the CIA, has shifted focus away from daily operations towards a more politically charged agenda. He traces the origin of this shift back to affirmative action efforts half a century ago, which aimed to increase the representation of women and minorities in the intelligence community.
Gentry revealed that during his time at the CIA, personal politics were not discussed. However, sources from the intelligence community during the Obama administration informed him that this standard was largely abandoned, and political activism became commonplace.
He identified former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper as two key figures driving the politicization of intel agencies. Both were supportive of Obama's desire to transform the federal workforce, accelerating the process through policy actions and specific recruitment efforts.
Gentry asserted that the DEI initiatives and politicization within the intel agencies have negatively impacted morale among rank-and-file workers. He said, "There are a lot of people who are unhappy about it because its politicizing the workforce, and its dividing the workforce among people who believe in DEI policies and those who dont."
Gentry's book aims to highlight the significant political problem within the agencies. He believes that former members of the intel community saw how effective they were in damaging Trump in 2020 and faced no criticism.
CIA Director William Burns addressed the issue of politicization within the intelligence community in a speech at the Aspen Security Forum in July. He emphasized his obligation to offer the best intelligence, even when it might be inconvenient for policymakers.
Burns stated, "Our job is to be straight about that, whether its welcome downtown, at the White House, or other parts of the executive branch or not. Its not an easy role to play, but its an incredibly important one. Its one I take seriously. I know Director Haines does and others across the US intelligence community. Thats what our officers do their very best to provide.
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