Dead Drop: July 28

THE CABINET OF SECRETS: President Joe Biden surprised a lot of people last Friday, when he announced that he had elevated CIA Director Bill Burns to cabinet-level status. Biden praised Burns for giving him “…clear, straightforward analysis that prioritizes the safety and security of the American people, reflecting the integral role the CIA plays in our national security decision-making at this critical time.” While the move was unexpected, it was well received since Burns is one of the most widely-respected members of the administration – both in the U.S. and internationally. As near as we can determine, only three previous CIA directors (William Casey during the Reagan administration, John Deutch, and George Tenet in the Clinton administration) held cabinet rank.  Significantly, no CIA leader has had that status following the creation of the position of Director of National Intelligence. So the change means that now, both Burns and DNI Avril Haines get a seat at the cabinet table. The Intelligence Community will be represented in force. While spies tell us that being given cabinet status is largely honorific, Burns gets to attend more meetings now. That sounds like a win.  But here’s an usual perk:  when he leaves his position, he’ll also have the opportunity to purchase (at his own expense) the chair he will use in the cabinet room. We understand the first official to start the practice of buying their cabinet chair was Henry Kissinger in the 1970s.  Since Kissinger is still going strong, he clearly has gotten a lot of use out of it. For purely personal reasons, Burns status as a cabinet official is yet another reason why we’re guessing The Cipher Brief is looking forward to welcoming him as the opening speaker at The Cipher Brief Threat Conference this year.

OK, WE WERE WRONG ABOUT BEING WRONG:  Back in April, we told you that everyone (including The Dead Drop) was predicting that Admiral Lisa Franchetti was likely to be the first woman nominated to be Chief of Naval Operations (and the first female member of the JCS).  And then, in mid-June, word came out that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had recommended to President Biden that Admiral Samuel Paparo, the current head of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, be selected to be CNO. Generally, when SECDEF’s recommend admirals (and generals) for slots, the POTUS says aye-aye.  But last Friday, the White House announced that we were right all along (well, they didn’t phrase it that way) but the President indicated his intention to nominate Franchetti for the CNO job. The consolation prize for Paparo is being nominated to take over the joint Indo-Pacific Command. So, if confirmed, he gets to stay in Hawaii for another tour and Franchetti gets another gig in the Pentagon.  Reasonable people might debate over which officer got the best deal.  Of course, all of this depends on Senate confirmation as Senator Tommy Tuberville (R, Al) continues to hold the promotion process for all flag and general officers hostage.  Honestly, couldn’t the good senator find a smarter way to govern?  Just askin’.