Trump's intel associates convened with a Taiwanese government representative, according to confidential sources
Trump's PIAB Gains Influence in White House
In a notable development, the President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB), a group consisting of members outside of the federal government, is emerging as a significant source of influence in Donald Trump's White House.
The PIAB, which includes high-profile figures such as Devin Nunes, the board chair who is also the chief executive of the Trump Media & Technology Group, has become a more visible presence at the White House. This increased visibility is evident in the high-level meetings held, such as the recent private meeting between Representative Alexander Yui and the PIAB in Washington this month. This meeting, it seems, was one of the highest-level Taiwan-US contacts during Trump's second term.
The PIAB, an official White House component despite being unpaid, has begun to meet regularly in recent months. Notably, in February, Trump announced an additional 11 members for the PIAB, a move that signifies the board's growing importance. Interestingly, Trump named a PIAB chairman a month before inauguration, unlike his first term.
The composition of the PIAB has also undergone changes. Robert O'Brien, who served as Trump's national security adviser during his first term, and Amaryllis Fox, currently a deputy director of national intelligence, are among its members.
Meanwhile, the US National Security Council has experienced multiple waves of firings, leaving it a shell of its former power. The chiefs of the US National Security Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency have been abruptly fired, further highlighting the shifting dynamics within the administration.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence is facing radical downsizing, adding to the uncertainty in the national security framework. In contrast, the PIAB, with its growing influence and regular meetings, appears to be filling a void in the decision-making process.
As the White House prepares for a crucial phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping the following day, discussions about the agreement to switch short-video app TikTok to US-controlled ownership are expected to be on the agenda. It remains to be seen how the PIAB's influence will shape these discussions and other critical national security matters.
Some foreign diplomats have taken to calling PIAB members for information on administration positions on national security matters, underscoring the board's growing importance in the international arena.
In a development that has not been previously reported, some National Security Council staffers who have been let go in recent months have been approached about taking a PIAB staff position. This suggests a potential restructuring within the administration's national security apparatus.
Michael Desch, a Notre Dame political science professor, noted that the current list of PIAB members appears more credible and active than during Trump's first presidency. As the White House navigates complex national security issues, the PIAB's influence and role are set to continue evolving.
Trump Media operates Truth Social, Trump's preferred social media platform. The meeting with Yui was not previously reported. The PIAB members, appointed by the president and having security clearances, are expected to provide valuable insights and advice to the administration on various national security matters.
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