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CIA's Ellis Demotes Counsel Amid Legal Concerns

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Michael Ellis, deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.), demoted acting general counsel and assumed the role.
Ellis remains No. 2.
Reasons behind Ellis's decision to control legal judgments are unclear, raising concerns.
Gillers called the arrangement "bizarre" and cited conflicts of interest.
The CIA did not explain the move but noted a nomination for a new general counsel.

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Story summary

Michael Ellis, deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.), demoted acting general counsel and assumed the role.
Ellis remains No. 2.
Reasons behind Ellis's decision to control legal judgments are unclear, raising concerns.
Gillers called the arrangement "bizarre" and cited conflicts of interest.
The CIA did not explain the move but noted a nomination for a new general counsel.