Joseph Maguire Named Head of National Intelligence

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Thursday abruptly decided to install Joseph Maguire, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, as the acting director of national intelligence after Dan Coats steps down from the post next week.

Mr. Trump announced his decision to elevate Mr. Maguire, a retired vice admiral who once led the Navy’s Special Warfare Command, on Twitter shortly after confirming that Sue Gordon, the nation’s No. 2 intelligence official — who by law had been in line to temporarily take over as director — would instead depart with...

President Donald Trump said Joseph Maguire, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, will take over as Acting Director of National Intelligence when Dan Coats leaves the post next week.

Maguire has had a “long and distinguished” career in the military, Trump said in a pair of tweets late Thursday. “He commanded at every level, including the Naval Special Warfare Command. He has also served as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University. I have no doubt he will do a great job!”