Biden considering King for director of national intelligence: report

President-elect Joe Biden is reportedly considering Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) to serve as director of national intelligence (DNI) in his administration, according to three officials with knowledge of the discussions, Politico reported. 

A former senior Trump administration official told Politico that King’s name has been discussed with senior officials on Biden’s transition team. A source close to King said that he is aware that he’s under consideration. 

Another person familiar with discussions told the news outlet that King is “under serious consideration.” 

King currently serves on the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services committees. He also co-chairs the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Politico noted, which was created to develop strategies to deter cyberattacks from foreign adversaries. 

The senator has been critical of Trump’s appointment of current DNI John Ratcliffe and former acting DNI Richard Grenell.

He’s also criticized the president’s approach to Iran, including moving an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers into the Persian Gulf after intelligence showed that Tehran had shifted missiles into the region. 

Matthew Felling, a spokesman for King, told The Hill in a statement that King is a “committed public servant with a lengthy track record of discrete, Independent thinking within the Intelligence Community.” 

“More importantly, he possesses a deep and abiding appreciation for all who work tirelessly and confidentially in dangerous regions to defend Americans and American principles,” he added. 

Also in the running for the job is Avril Haines, who is currently leading Biden’s national security transition team, Politico reported. She served as deputy national security adviser in the Obama administration. 

Updated on Nov. 15 at 5:47 a.m.