President Trump’s national security adviser denied that the acting spy chief was ousted because one of his appointees briefed the House Intelligence Committee on Russian efforts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election.
National security adviser Robert O’Brien noted on Sunday that acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire was obligated to leave the post by March 11 because federal law limits how long he can serve in the position in an acting capacity. Maguire had been temporarily appointed to the position in August after Dan Coats stepped down.
“First of all, Joe Maguire wasn’t pushed out … he was serving under the Vacancy Act. He was acting, and his term, I believe, was ending March 11 or March 12, like two weeks from now,” O’Brien told CBS’s Face the Nation.
“Joe Maguire wasn’t pushed out. We’d love to see Joe Maguire stay involved in the government. Joe — Joe had a great relationship with the president,” he said. “He did a great job.”
According to reports, Trump decided against nominating Maguire to the role permanently after learning that one of his staff members, Shelby Pierson, warned members of the House Intelligence Committee that the Russians were trying to interfere in the 2020 presidential election with the goal of helping Trump win reelection.
Trump has since appointed U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to replace Maguire and said last week he is considering four people for the position permanently. Grenell said he is not one of four.
“We’re looking for a nominee that can be a terrific candidate, who can be nominated for this position. We needed someone who was Senate-confirmed, who could serve in the meantime,” O’Brien said.
