Breakdown:

1. Introduction:
   • Many misunderstand the relationship between the CIA and the president, often mistaking a president’s use of the agency as being “pro-CIA.”
   • However, the reality is more complex—the CIA operates under the executive branch and serves at the pleasure of the president.
2. The CIA as a Presidential Tool:
   • The CIA, as part of the executive branch, is a powerful resource the president can use at will, much like a “toy” that is only taken off the shelf when needed.
   • The agency provides a wide array of capabilities, but those capabilities are activated or utilized based on the president’s discretion.
3. The CIA’s Loyalty to the President:
   • Since 2016, many within the CIA have come to the realization that they don’t serve the American people or the democratic process directly—they serve the president.
   • Some agency employees found this unsettling, especially after Donald Trump’s election, when the focus shifted to following the president’s lead, no matter the direction.
4. Attrition and Unrest within the CIA:
   • The CIA saw a significant level of attrition post-2016, as employees began grappling with the reality of their role.
   • Serving at the pleasure of the president means the CIA follows the commander-in-chief’s direction, even if individuals within the agency disagree with those decisions.
5. The Unusual Power Dynamics of the CIA:
   • The CIA stands out from other civil service roles because the president can remove personnel for personal reasons, not just performance.
   • An anecdote illustrates this: Ronald Reagan once fired a CIA station chief in the Middle East simply because the chief was living with his girlfriend—something Reagan morally objected to. This is a reminder of the unusual power the president wields over the agency.
6. Conclusion:
   • The CIA’s role is unique in the U.S. government. It operates at the command of the president, not independently, and this creates a complex power dynamic.
   • Presidents may utilize or discard the agency’s resources based on their preferences, and the CIA must adapt to the will of whoever holds office, regardless of the broader civil service norms.