Former Senate Investigator Quietly Returns to NSA Leadership
April Falcon Doss, a longtime intelligence attorney, is once again serving as General Counsel for the National Security Agency. Though she previously worked at the NSA from 2003 to 2016, her current appointment was made quietly and without a public announcement during the Biden administration. Her return came after time spent in highly politicized roles, including serving as Senior Counsel for Senate Democrats during their investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Politically Active Background
While working on Capitol Hill, Doss contributed to the widely publicized and ultimately fruitless attempt to tie then-candidate Donald Trump to Russian operatives. Afterward, she became known for outspoken public criticism of Trump and his supporters. She called for a permanent ban on Trump from social media, accused Republicans of spreading “disinformation,” and ridiculed concerns over the treatment of Carter Page and Michael Flynn.
Disparate Treatment in Top NSA Role
Before Doss’s return, the same NSA General Counsel position had been offered to Michael Ellis, a former House Intelligence Committee attorney appointed by the Trump administration. Despite the role being a civil service position, Ellis was placed on administrative leave the day he was sworn in. An investigation found no wrongdoing, yet Ellis resigned shortly after. In contrast, Doss quietly stepped into the role with no comparable scrutiny or internal obstruction.
Retention Without Disclosure
The NSA reportedly avoided publicizing Doss’s appointment to prevent potential backlash. This deliberate lack of transparency drew attention due to the agency’s prior actions against Ellis, despite both lawyers holding similar qualifications. Critics have pointed out the uneven application of standards depending on political affiliation.
Ongoing Influence and Public Commentary
Doss’s political opinions extend beyond the walls of government. She has written articles defending censorship of political figures, downplaying legal concerns about surveillance programs, and dismissing criticisms of the intelligence community’s handling of Trump-era investigations. Her role at one of the most powerful intelligence agencies in the world remains active, even amid broader scrutiny of partisan behavior among security officials.
The contrasting treatment of Michael Ellis and April Falcon Doss highlights a pattern that undermines public confidence in the neutrality of the intelligence community. When career positions are blocked or quietly filled based on political orientation, it reinforces concerns about the influence of ideology in critical defense institutions. Doss’s public positions and quiet return to the NSA raise legitimate concerns about whether key government roles are being filled based on merit or alignment with a particular agenda.
