WASHINGTON: Democrats have begun preparing an intelligence probe into President Donald Trump’s alleged political interference in US intelligence agencies and the large-scale dismissal of officers.
After taking control of the House of Representatives in January, Democrats will examine staff firings, political pressure and possible self-censorship in analytical reports at intelligence agencies.
Jim Himes, the incoming Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said political pressure has damaged the morale of intelligence agency employees.
According to a report, former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard cut the agency’s staff by 40 percent during the Trump administration. CIA Director John Ratcliffe also put forward a plan to eliminate more than 1,000 jobs.
Those dismissed included senior intelligence analysts and officers holding top positions.
The report further said some analysts were removed from their posts for producing reports whose findings did not align with White House policy.
Through the intelligence probe, Democrats will assess the impact of these actions on the independence and professional autonomy of intelligence agencies.