Dr. John Gentry, a former CIA intelligence analyst and current Georgetown University professor, has a grim warning for Americans about the growing politicization within U.S. intelligence agencies. His concerns about the potential interference in the upcoming 2024 elections reflect the sentiment of many citizens wary of the deep state’s influence.
Gentry, who served 12 years in the CIA, recently discussed his book, “Neutering the CIA: Why U.S. Intelligence Versus Trump Has Long-Term Consequences,” with Fox News Digital, outlining his apprehensions about the intelligence community’s political activities, especially concerning the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The DEI initiatives, Gentry argues, began as a well-intentioned effort to diversify the intelligence workforce but have since evolved into a highly politicized leftist agenda. He noted the initiative saw a significant shift during the Obama administration, culminating in an executive order to enhance diversity and inclusion across the federal workforce.
Ex-CIA analyst warns intelligence agencies will attempt to interfere in 2024 election to stop republican candidate https://t.co/KYTCGm9Bpz pic.twitter.com/f45b9eo8dO
— New York Post (@nypost) January 2, 2024
Gentry discussed the division within various intelligence agencies that has resulted from the aggressive promotion of DEI principles. Morale and efficiency have suffered as a result, as political allegiance often overrides the search for truth and protecting national security.
The politicization of the intelligence community isn’t a new concern. It gained substantial traction during the 2020 presidential election, particularly with the handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story. Just before the election, 51 former intelligence officials signed a letter attempting to discredit the story, branding it as a likely Russian disinformation campaign. Documents obtained by Fox News Digital in 2023 revealed that the CIA had approved the publication of this letter, a move Gentry describes as “clearly political” and intended to support the Biden campaign.
This incident, among others, leads Gentry to believe that similar actions will occur in the 2024 elections. He foresees a re-emergence of former intelligence officers becoming politically active, particularly against a Republican candidate. Gentry’s prediction isn’t without precedent; the activities of these ‘formers’ have already begun, as seen in recent articles by ex-CIA and FBI personnel warning against the rhetoric of potential Republican candidates.
Gentry made specific reference to former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper as key figures in accelerating the politicization of national intelligence. He points out the pivotal role the pair played in supporting Obama’s vision for a “fundamentally transformed” federal workforce, fostering an environment where political activism and DEI concerns overshadowed traditional operational focus.
In contrast, CIA Director William Burns recently emphasized the agency’s commitment to unbiased intelligence gathering and analysis. Burns asserted that the agency’s only duty is to provide unvarnished intelligence, regardless of its convenience to policymakers.
