Official Pushed to Rewrite Intelligence So It Could Not Be ‘Used Against’ Trump
New York TimesMAY 9
Reports: Gabbard Aide Urged Redo of Intelligence Assessment on Venezuelan Gang
Above: Joe Kent, center, an aide to Tulsi Gabbard, director of National Intelligence, attends the House Select Intelligence Committee on March 26, 2025. Image copyright: Tom Williams/Contributor/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
These intelligence assessments were flawed, and they even conceded the FBI's determination that some of the gang members are being directed and supported by members of the Venezuelan government. They're being sent to America with orders to commit crimes. The United States must take the FBI's findings seriously and proceed with deportations to keep the nation safe.
Democratic narrative
Even though the intelligence community couldn't link Venezuela to the Tren de Aragua gang, Trump continued to publicly and in court claim a link to justify his use of the Alien Enemies Act. So instead of accepting the results, the administration attempted to strong-arm the intelligence community, putting innocent people at risk of being deported.