President Trump's reported attendance of only 12 daily intelligence briefings in over 100 days of his second term has sparked significant concern. This represents a steep decline from his already infrequent briefings during his first term and contrasts sharply with the high-stakes diplomatic situations he faces.
During the first quarter of 2025, Trump received only two in-person intelligence updates per month, shifting to a weekly schedule in April. This compares to an average of two per week during his first term, matching President Biden's average. Critics argue that this reduced frequency, and Trump's reported preference for simplified graphics over detailed briefing documents, hinders his access to crucial, nuanced intelligence.
Senator Mark Warner expressed concern that Trump's actions demonstrate a lack of value for intelligence professionals and leave the American people vulnerable. Former CIA Intelligence Officer Christina Hillsberg added that Trump's cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the CIA risk undermining decades of progress and increasing national vulnerability. A former CIA analyst emphasized the importance of the $80 billion intelligence service in informing the president to avoid strategic surprises.
The situation is further complicated by the recent ousting of Mike Waltz as national security advisor, adding to the perceived chaos within Trump's national security team. While aides maintain Trump remains informed through ad-hoc calls and briefings, critics argue these lack the depth and complexity of formal intelligence updates.