Key facts
- A partisan individual has been appointed to a top intelligence role.
- The individual is part of a small circle of trusted presidential allies.
- This person gained the president's confidence by acting against critics.
According to three sources with knowledge of the decision, the individual appointed to serve as the country's top intelligence official is described as a partisan warrior. This person has reportedly gained the confidence of President Donald Trump by taking swift action against prominent Democratic critics of the president. The individual is part of a small circle of trusted allies who have the president's ear.