Trump's Briefing Skip Risks US Security

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has attended only 12 briefings from the President’s Daily Brief, a report from Politico revealed last Friday. During his first term, Trump maintained a more regular schedule, attending these intelligence briefings twice a week. The President’s Daily Brief provides an overview of the intelligence community’s assessment of key national security challenges, offering the president a crucial tool to stay informed and prepared.

The marked decrease in briefing attendance this term has sparked concerns within the intelligence community and among those closely associated with it. A former CIA analyst, speaking anonymously to Politico, emphasized the importance of these briefings: ‘The entire point of maintaining an $80 billion intelligence service is to ensure the president is informed, helping to prevent strategic surprises.’

Even when Trump is not present, senior national security aides and cabinet officials receive these briefings, ensuring that key information is disseminated throughout the administration. However, this does not entirely alleviate the concerns. Top administration officials have defended Trump’s approach, asserting that he stays informed through other means and maintains contact with his intelligence chiefs. Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, stated, “The president is constantly apprised of classified briefings and is regularly in touch with his national security team.” Nonetheless, Ingle did not address the specific reasons behind the reduced number of briefings.

Criticism has been swift and pointed. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressed his concern, stating, “It’s sadly clear that President Trump doesn’t value the expertise and dangerous work performed by our intelligence professionals each and every day. Unfortunately, this leaves the American people increasingly vulnerable to threats we ought to see coming.”

Trump’s approach to national security and diplomacy has been multifaceted, with efforts to broker peace in Gaza and Ukraine and to restart nuclear negotiations with Iran. However, these endeavors are occurring against a backdrop of escalating threats from adversaries like Russia and China.

Historically, presidents have varied in how they receive and engage with their daily briefings. Trump is not entirely an outlier in this regard. However, his known aversion to reading the accompanying briefing document, known as “the book,” adds an extra layer of concern. This document, meticulously compiled by intelligence analysts, is delivered daily to the president and his key advisers, either in hard copy or on a tablet device.

In my opinion, the president’s decision to skip these critical briefings is deeply troubling. The intelligence community plays a vital role in safeguarding national security, and the President’s Daily Brief is a cornerstone of that effort. By neglecting these briefings, Trump is not only undermining the work of dedicated intelligence professionals but also putting the country at greater risk. In an era where threats are increasingly complex and multifaceted, staying informed and engaged is not a luxury but a necessity. The American people deserve a leader who prioritizes their safety and security above all else.