Posted originally on CTH on June 10, 2026 | Sundance 

According to The Gateway Pundit there are five names being debated for permanent DNI {SEE HERE}.

Qualifying any comment by saying this is entirely speculation, a few have asked me for opinion.

Gateway Pundit posits the names: GOP Representative Elise Stefanik, GOP Representative Rick Crawford, current Deputy Director of the CIA Michael Ellis, Vice President JD Vance’s national security adviser Cliff Sims, and former GOP Rep Jason Chaffetz.

Names not mentioned in that article include former HPSCI Chairman Devin Nunes or former Representative now U.S. Attorney for North Carolina Dan Bishop.

Without being fully transparent about how I am reaching my perspective, here’s my take on these names.

I have not seen Michael Ellis in this discussion before. However, he would be a very solid consideration.  Ellis is a very straight, non-pretending, deliberate and serious person.  With a firm grasp on the problem, Ellis would be a solid option.

Current HPSCI Chairman Rick Crawford would also be a solid consideration.  As current HPSCI Chairman Crawford has worked with Tulsi Gabbard, and he does have a very firm grasp on the nuances and issues within the current intelligence community.

Dan Bishop’s name has not been mentioned by many, but he would also be an asset in the role.  At least he should be interviewed to see if he thoroughly understands the problem and would be willing to confront it.

Stefanik might want the job and might be the favorite of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, but I’m not sure Stefanik is strong enough to stand up to the pressure within the overall intelligence apparatus.  There’s a general pretending that often comes from DC familiarity as well as willingness to go along with norms and status quo. Stefanik is not a disruptor.

It doesn’t seem like Devin Nunes wants the job, for all of the reasons why a tenured IC person wouldn’t want the job.  Jason Chaffetz would be worthless, as he was when Chairman of the House Oversight Committee.  I don’t know enough about Cliff Simms to give an opinion.

Ranked: Ellis, Crawford, Bishop.

Concerning: Stefanik, Chaffetz.

Best Route:  Give strong weight to Tulsi Gabbard’s recommendation.