Update: Trump Team dispels online rumors of FBI Director pick, ruling out Mike Rogers’s bid
A senior advisor to Donald Trump has excluded Mike Rogers from consideration for the position of FBI Director.
(SQAUK) — In a bold move that has ignited controversy among Trump supporters, former Congressman Mike Rogers is seeking the position of FBI Director in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. Rogers, who previously chaired the House Intelligence Committee, is recognized for his firm backing of extensive surveillance programs and co-founded the Alliance for Securing Democracy. This organization explicitly aimed to link Trump’s 2016 campaign to alleged Russian interference, making Rogers a contentious choice for this critical role. However, it is unlikely the Trump Team will accept his offer.
Rogers’s involvement with the Alliance for Securing Democracy included the Hamilton 68 project, which claimed to track Russian influence on social media. However, it was later revealed that many of the accounts targeted by Hamilton 68 were ordinary Americans, journalists, and Trump supporters expressing dissenting political views rather than being linked to Russia.
Additionally, Rogers has been a proponent of government surveillance programs. 2014, as a U.S. Representative, he introduced the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. This act authorized appropriations for intelligence activities and included measures related to the retention of communications data.
The consideration of Mike Rogers for the position of FBI Director has raised concerns among Trump supporters, who see his past actions as inconsistent with the President-elect’s stance on government surveillance and the so-called “deep state.” This term refers to a perceived network of entrenched government officials believed to be working against the current administration. Critics argue that appointing Rogers could compromise efforts to reform intelligence agencies and reduce unwarranted surveillance of American citizens.
As the selection process for the new FBI Director continues, Mike Rogers’ potential appointment remains contentious. This situation underscores the ongoing debate over surveillance, privacy, and the future of federal law enforcement under the incoming administration—an issue that all citizens should actively engage in.
