So Much Intel, So Little Insight
The scale is astounding: the U.S. government comprises eighteen distinct intelligence bodies, collectively called the IC or intelligence community. Curiously, DOGE, renowned for pursuing government streamlining, never questioned this “community.”
Maintaining this network demands significant funds. Thanks to my AI colleagues, here’s an approximate funding allocation:
National Intelligence Program (NIP) $81.9 billion, Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
Military Intelligence Program (MIP) $33.6 billion, Department of Defense (DoD)
Total Budget Request $115.5 billion
The actual amount is likely even greater and classified. With numerous secret “black ops” and covert sites, transparency is far from the norm here.
I won’t enumerate the 18 agencies. Is there potential for overlap, duplication, inefficiency, or excess? Certainly not. Even if so, such information would be classified.
My direct experience with the IC is limited—having worked briefly with AIA, the air intelligence agency, nothing more.
Although vast amounts of intelligence are produced, genuine insight frequently falls short. You don’t always receive value equivalent to the cost.
As international lawyer John Whitbeck observed: “I often wonder why the United States needs 18 hugely expensive and massively staffed ‘intelligence’ agencies when all of the country’s most important decisions are made at the unconstrained whim of a single individual of no intelligence whatsoever.”
(I find amusing the tales that President Trump only pays attention to briefings featuring his name prominently—quintessentially Trump.)
Matching the Pentagon’s five-sided form, the U.S. should arguably consolidate to five agencies: the CIA, NSA, DIA, DOJ/FBI, and DHS. Others could be absorbed into these.
Not that I endorse the CIA and others—they wield excessive power and resources within society.
While efficiency is noteworthy, effectiveness matters more. Given recent failures like the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Iran, the IC’s track record is questionable—unless “effective” means expanding its own influence. In that regard, the IC excels at preserving and growing its domain.
The entire intelligence community runs counter to democratic principles and public oversight. It ought to be as lean and targeted as possible, focusing on defending real threats, not shielding itself from budget cuts.
Astonishingly, about 1.3 million Americans posses “top secret” clearances, with the IC also relying heavily on a sprawling network of private contractors and affiliated groups. Claiming it permeates everywhere is hardly an exaggeration.
As Chuck Schumer famously remarked, the IC has “six ways from Sunday” to undermine anyone opposing it. So, ironically, I’ll end by saying I adore the IC. Truly!
Original article: bracingviews.com
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