US intelligence director search will become harder

Significance

The first whistleblower, also anonymous, is reportedly an IC member, too. Both complaints are being handled by IC Inspector General Michael Atkinson, who testified to the House of Representatives intelligence committee on October 4, and acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Joseph Maguire, who testified on September 26.

Impacts

• A protracted legal battle with House Democrats over White House records of presidential communications looks likely.
• If the whistleblower controversy runs for much longer, it will influence the Senate’s deliberations on the DNI nominee.
• Foreign governments could be less willing to offer to support legitimate overseas US investigations.
• Further court cases concerning the extent and applicability of executive privilege are coming.
• Intelligence management and policy will almost certainly be an election issue in 2020.