New National Intelligence Director Named
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WASHINGTON (AP) – Retired Vice Adm. Mike McConnell, a veteran of more than 25 years in the intelligence field, will be named by President Bush to succeed John Negroponte as national intelligence director, a senior administration official said Thursday.
Mr. Negroponte will move to the State Department to become the No. 2 to Secretary Rice.
The nominations of Messrs. McConnell and Negroponte are expected to be announced by Mr. Bush on Friday.
The administration sought to dispel any suggestion that Mr. Negroponte’s shift was a demotion.Mr. Bush personally reached out to Mr. Negroponte, an experienced diplomat, to take over the long-vacant job as deputy secretary of state, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because Mr. Bush has not announced the nomination.
Bush also talked personally with McConnell about taking the job as director of national intelligence, overseeing all 16 U.S. spy agencies.
