Kathrine Frich
The fallout could leave the country flying blind during a major global crisis.
Safety relies on teamwork. But when the people in charge of protecting a nation stop talking to each other, the entire system breaks down.
Right now, a bitter turf war is tearing through the highest levels of the American government.
A dangerous silence
The US Central Intelligence Agency just drew a hard line. Officials have quietly stopped sharing vital intelligence with their own oversight body. This sudden freeze includes crucial updates on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
According to an exclusive report by Reuters, the CIA is now refusing to contribute to joint assessments prepared by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The ODNI normally coordinates all 18 American spy agencies.
Two massive departments now operate completely independently. Sources familiar with the situation told the news outlet that the rift destroys a collaborative system. American presidents have relied on this exact network for decades.
Breaking the rules
The bitter feud centers around a controversial new task force. Outgoing ODNI director Tulsi Gabbard launched the special unit in April 2025. It caused immediate friction.
CIA officials, led by director John Ratcliffe, claim this new group acted recklessly. Two sources told Reuters that the task force routinely bypassed strict protocols for handling classified documents.
In response, ODNI representatives accuse the CIA of deliberately blocking their access to secure files.
ODNI spokeswoman Olivia Coleman defended the task force. She stated that the group functioned within its legal limits and supported executive orders. She also noted that “the president and policymakers continue to receive the best intelligence and analysis.”
Changing of the guard
The internal crisis hits right as the White House navigates a military conflict with Iran. Rising tensions overseas make the timing even worse.
Gabbard is leaving. She recently announced she will step down on June 30 to care for her sick husband. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump named Bill Pulte as the acting intelligence chief.
Pulte previously ran the Federal Housing Finance Agency and was a major campaign donor. He takes over the critical national security role despite having no previous intelligence experience, according to HotNews.ro.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle brushed off reports of internal chaos. He insists the administration remains completely unified. “President Trump has full confidence in his entire exceptional national security team,” Ingle said.
Sources: Reuters, HotNews.ro
