Sen. Susan Collins said she disagreed with President Trump’s decision to tap Richard Grenell to be his acting spy chief.
The Maine Republican said Monday that she thinks Grenell, the United States ambassador to Germany, lacks the intelligence experience to work as director of national intelligence, according to Politico.
Collins is the first Republican to push back on Trump’s pick. She said she would have liked Trump to keep acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire in the role instead.
“I would have much preferred that the president nominate acting director Maguire for the post,” Collins said. “I care deeply about that position and believe the person needs experience in the intelligence community, which regrettably ambassador Grenell does not have.”
Trump announced last week that Grenell, one of his most vocal supporters, would become the acting director of national intelligence and that Maguire, who was appointed in August, would depart the position.
Democrats have blasted the move, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi contending that the choice was made because of Grenell’s loyalty to Trump rather than his qualifications.
“Sadly, President Trump has once again put his political interests ahead of America’s national security interests by appointing an acting director of national intelligence whose sole qualification is his absolute loyalty to the president,” the California Democrat said in a statement.
Grenell confirmed a day after the announcement that his appointment would be temporary in nature and that Trump would announce a permanent nominee for the Senate-confirmed position “sometime soon.” The president has said he is considering four people for the permanent role and would make a decision in the coming weeks.
