Bloomberg Surveillance · Thursday, October 1, 2026
Jack Devine explains that while the core qualities of people in the State Department and CIA remain consistent, the personality and directives of the President have a profound impact on these institutions. He uses the examples of Presidents Carter and Reagan to illustrate how a president's style can influence the entire executive branch, emphasizing that while intelligence professionals must present uncomfortable truths, the ultimate direction is set from the Oval Office.
“The same people that went in when I went in are the same type of people going in today, and rightfully so, more diversified. But they're the same types of mindset and reason. What really matters, and we have a presidential system, it's amazing the impact that a president has. Very quickly, I'll just describe Reagan and Carter. Big shift.”
“But what was interesting with Carter, he wore cardigan sweaters. Next thing you know, the entire seventh floor were wearing cardigan sweaters. Reagan came in and put a suit and tie on, but they wore brown suits. Next thing I know, I'm surrounded with guys who have never worn a brown suit before. I'm saying the system is resilient, but you cannot underestimate the power of the personality of the president. And it comes from a very good place. I want to satisfy the president. But in the intelligence business, part of your job is to make him uneasy, give him the information that he doesn't want to be comfortable with.”