Trump’s latest rejection of intelligence assessments reflects a long distrust of spy agencies
June 25, 2025
A leaked intelligence memo contradicting President Donald Trump’s assessment of recent U.S. strikes on Iran is just the latest conflict with a part of the federal government that Trump has viewed with deep suspicion. Trump’s distrust of the intelligence community goes back to before his first term when questions were raised about his campaign’s alleged ties to Russia. So far in his second term, he’s tapped loyalists to lead the CIA and other intel agencies and has publicly dismissed intelligence assessments that undercut his claims. Former intelligence officials say spy services strive to stay out of politics and a final accounting of the strikes on Iran will take time.
