Why does RFK Jr want his daughter-in-law as CIA deputy director?

Robert F Kennedy Jr, a prominent political figure and recent presidential candidate, is advocating for his daughter-in-law, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, to take on the role of deputy director at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

With President-elect Donald J. Trump preparing for his second term, the potential appointment of Fox Kennedy could become part of his plans for reshaping US intelligence agencies.

This development was first reported by Axios.

On Thursday, Fox Kennedy posted a strong statement on X, criticising her unnamed opponents for being part of a system that had undermined US intelligence-gathering capabilities.

The core mission of CIA is to arm the American president — as the representative of the American people — with maximum information.

Uncertainty about our adversaries’ intentions increases our chances of unnecessary war. Failure to detect terror attacks in the planning phase…

— Amaryllis Fox (@amaryllisfox) December 12, 2024

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Who is Fox Kennedy?

Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, 44, is no stranger to the intelligence community. She served nearly a decade as a CIA operative, joining the agency in her early 20s. Recruited as one of the youngest female officers, she operated under “nonofficial cover,” often posing as a civilian with no diplomatic protections.

During her tenure, she reportedly posed as an art dealer while working in foreign nations, gathering intelligence under high-risk conditions.

In 2019, Fox Kennedy published a memoir titled Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a covert operative. The book, however, stirred controversy for allegedly bypassing the CIA’s Publication Review Board, a step required to ensure classified information isn’t disclosed.

The board is supposed to approve any material from officers before becoming public to ensure that key intelligence matters remain secret, noted journalist Yashar Ali reported at the time.

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Despite criticism, her book became a bestseller and was praised for shedding light on the challenges of intelligence work. However, some former officials questioned its accuracy, particularly her accounts of interactions with Islamic extremists in Pakistan.

Fox Kennedy’s candidacy for deputy director has also reignited debates about the CIA’s role and transparency. Her critics point to her memoir and public comments as potential liabilities.

In an interview with Tucker Carlson, she criticised the CIA’s historical involvement in coups and interventions, stating, “Rather than reporting that a coup is about to take place, they are making it happen. And that has not worked out in 100 percent of cases, as far as I can tell”

Does Fox Kennedy have the required support?

Fox Kennedy’s potential appointment as deputy director has garnered mixed reactions. Her father-in-law, RFK Jr, is one of her staunchest advocates.

He has reportedly been making calls on her behalf, encouraging Trump to consider her for the position. “She’s infinitely qualified for the job,” said John Maguire, a former CIA officer. “She’s a very talented woman.”

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However, opposition has been vocal. Senator Tom Cotton, poised to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee, has raised concerns about her qualifications and past decisions, such as the publication of her memoir.

Former intelligence officials have also expressed doubts. One unnamed former officer described her as a “very junior officer” with insufficient experience for such a senior post, telling The Washington Post, “It would be completely demoralising to have her float back in at a senior level, having never held a field leadership position.”

Fox Kennedy has countered criticisms by highlighting the need to refocus the CIA on intelligence collection rather than asymmetrical warfare. She has advocated for rebuilding human intelligence capabilities, particularly in nations like China, Russia, and Iran.

“The question we need to be asking is whether we’re pouring kerosene on a candle,” she said in a 2016 interview with Al Jazeera, highlighting the importance of understanding adversaries rather than merely reacting to them.

What is the ‘real reason’ RFK Jr is pushing Fox for CIA role?

Central to RFK Jr’s advocacy for Fox Kennedy is his deep-seated belief that the CIA was involved in the assassination of his uncle, President John F Kennedy . This controversial stance has been a recurring theme in RFK Jr’s political rhetoric, and he has vowed to bring this issue to light with concrete evidence.

RFK Jr has repeatedly called for the release of all remaining classified documents related to JFK’s assassination, arguing that transparency is long overdue.

His allegations against the CIA gained renewed attention after he suggested that Fox Kennedy’s expertise and understanding of the agency’s internal workings could play a pivotal role in substantiating his claims.

Fox Kennedy, for her part, has publicly supported RFK Jr.’s mission, stating the need for accountability and reform within the intelligence community.

Will Fox Kennedy get the job?

President-elect Trump has reportedly shown interest in appointing Fox Kennedy to a senior intelligence role. While the CIA’s deputy director position does not require Senate confirmation, it remains one of the most influential posts within the agency.

Trump has delegated significant authority to John Ratcliffe, his pick for CIA director, to assemble his team, though other roles in the administration have also been suggested for Fox Kennedy.

Fox Kennedy’s connections within Trump’s circle have bolstered her chances. She is close to Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s choice for director of national intelligence, and has attended key personnel meetings at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump himself has been impressed with her during their interactions. “Donald Trump has surrounded himself with the precious few American leaders who still speak the truth at great personal cost,” Fox Kennedy recently wrote on social media, praising Gabbard and others in Trump’s orbit.

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With inputs from agencies