Fred Fleitz Is the Right Choice for National Intelligence Director

In a blink, John Ratcliffe is no longer poised to take over the nation’s lead on Intelligence. Whether or not Congressman Ratcliffe has the credentials and depth in service to assume such a role doesn’t matter now. He’s out.

The million-dollar question: Who, exactly, is in?

As a retired State Trooper director and colonel, I understand the foundation of safety and law enforcement. It’s not just a local or statewide consideration; nationally, it’s of the utmost importance.

I’ve followed and been impressed with one of the standouts in the national Intelligence community because of his acumen and wisdom in the field — and on policy platforms. Fred Fleitz is a former CIA senior analyst, House Intelligence Committee aide, and chief-of-staff to National Security Advisor John Bolton. At present he’s the President and CEO of the Center for Security Policy.

The very mantra of the Office of National Intelligence, a billboard on its website homepage, is to unify the Intelligence community towards a stronger, safer nation. What better appointment than an ethical professional who served in that very community and can generate solidarity and momentum? If ever morale was needed, it’s now.

Syria, North Korea, Iran, China, Venezuela… Time is of the essence to ensure the U.S.’s posture is successful for the betterment of our masses. Mr. Fleitz’s comprehensive knowledge on foreign governments, and their perpetual and endemic problems, matters more than ever.

It doesn’t take Fox News, National Review, or Lou Dobbs Show excerpts to glean Fred Fleitz has the depth in service to assume the role of Director and hit the ground running. He has no learning curve; policy catch-up isn’t required.

Axios recently reported President Trump “heard great things” about Fred Fleitz.

Our military members, first responders, and law enforcement officers will value Fleitz’s respect and support of them. Democrats and the media will appreciate his experience. Americans should, and hopefully will, embrace the fact President Trump chose talent and a patriotic work ethic over politics.

Fred Fleitz is the right choice for Director of National Intelligence. Our nation’s security, and prosperity, depend on the president’s next steps.

Colonel T.R. "Tom" Anderson is a retired Director of the Alaska State Troopers, Army veteran, and former firefighter with the Seattle Fire Department.