Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard quietly installed William Ruger, a Navy veteran and skeptic of military action against Iran, who apparently opposes gung-ho U.S. military action around the world, to the post of Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration, reported Newsmax, in an April 11 article, “Gabbard Quietly Picks Iran Dove to Key DNI Post.” Ruger’s principal mission is to “serve as the DNI’s principal advisor on all aspects of intelligence,” according to the DNI’s website, which includes preparing the morning intelligence brief that goes to the President. Gabbard did not actually announce the appointment, but Ruger’s name and picture now appear on the DNI website as holding that position.
Ruger served in the U.S. war in Afghanistan as a member of the United States Navy Reserves. He holds the position of Research Fellow For Foreign Policy at the Cato Institute. In 2016, supporters of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul set up the Defense Priorities Foundation, as, in effect, a foreign policy institution intended to oppose U.S. active intervention around the globe. Ruger became one of its leaders and board members.
Ruger was a prominent advocate for ending the U.S. war in Afghanistan, which inflicted great destruction on the Afghan people, and led to the deaths of many U.S. soldiers. In September 2020, during his first term, President Trump nominated Ruger to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, but the nomination did not clear Congressional hurdles in time to be approved before Trump left office.
