Interesting take here. I definitely don’t agree with some of Hennessey’s comments (“I think people should feel reassured that the rules cannot be violated—certainly not without it coming to the attention of oversight and compliance bodies” LOLOL), but her overall thesis here is worth noting. It possibly made sense for Obama to finalize this rather than leave it for the Trump administration to tack on even broader powers.
I don’t necessarily agree, but it does seem strange that Obama would expand these powers as Trump enters the presidency, given Obama’s concern about Trump having ANY of these. So the logic here makes potential sense.
What also might be a benefit is that the US Intelligence Community clearly fucking hates Trump. So there might be resistance on their part if he starts requesting more illegal surveillance.
#TryingToSeeTheSilverLiningHereJ/KWe’reFucked
