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Larry Pfeiffer

@larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social
4.4K followers 215 following 204 posts

Personal Account / Hayden Center Director / Led White House Situation Room / Fmr CIA Chief of Staff / Nat'l security & intelligence commentator / Speaker

PostsRepliesMedia
Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I'm very excited to see how my good friend Alma Katsu approaches the topic of Havana Syndrome in her new thriller. I couldn't put down her first two spy thrillers once I started them! My burning question: will the CIA chief of staff in RED WIDOW show up in her new book? He was such a good guy. 😃
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The bottom line: measures exist to discourage and prevent such recordings being done. But as with all security measures, assumptions are made that individuals vetted to access those spaces will remain 100% trustworthy. Sadly, that’s too often been proven not to be the case. /END
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
It’s worth noting that the controls and measures in place at the SitRoom to prevent electronic devices from being carried into and used in a meeting would be less elaborate for someone joining the meeting from a remote location like a residence or hotel. /8
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
I’d also note that in my time, the SitRoom staff was instructed to turn off any recording capability for very sensitive meetings, like those in which planning for the bin Laden raid was discussed, for example. Just saying. /7
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Could SitRoom staff record and then download the recording of the meeting? Possibly, but in a post-Snowden world that would involve some elaborate steps, IT audit trails, and a very unlikely conspiracy by many watch officers and IT support people, all professional career officers. /6
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
You thought those kinds of devices weren’t allowed in the secure SitRoom. You’re right. But no one is patting down or searching people entering the space. Lockers outside, written and verbal reminders as they enter, and electronic monitoring of the space are effectively used. /5
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
As an aside, such a device once reconnected to cell service, WiFi, or Bluetooth would be vulnerable to penetration and exploitation. The recording would not be secure. /4
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
What about an iPhone? It’s possible, especially if in Airplane mode with all connections turned off. It would then be less likely to be detected by monitoring devices used to catch any phones, tablets, watches, or fitness devices inadvertently carried in. /3
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The easiest way—a concealed recording device that doesn’t emanate a signal. That’s what Omarosa did with a pen recorder in Trump 1.0 when Chief of Staff Kelly used the SitRoom to fire her. Easy to hide, hard to detect. /2
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
I used to run the SitRoom. Could meetings there really be recorded? Short answer: yes. Let’s talk. /1
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Thanks @thesteadystate.org for the chance to be on the Sentinel podcast. ⬇️
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Of greatest concern, Bill Pulte has already demonstrated a cavalier attitude about protecting and weaponizing confidential personal information on home mortgages (James, Schiff, Swalwell). We’re now going to trust him with our nation’s greatest secrets?!? /END
static.klipy.com
Firecracker: This Is About Loyalty (The Boys)
ALT: Firecracker: This Is About Loyalty (The Boys)
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The law also requires the DNI to have extensive national security experience, something Pulte lacks entirely. (As did prior picks Grenell, Ratcliffe, and Gabbard.) /3
static.klipy.com
Lionel Richie Asks 'How Much Experience Do You Have?'
ALT: Lionel Richie Asks 'How Much Experience Do You Have?'
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
. . . during the absence or disability of the Director of National Intelligence or during a vacancy in the position of Director of National Intelligence.” A vote of “no confidence” in current PDDNI (and Acting DNI) Aaron Lukas? /2
static.klipy.com
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg: If We Don't Have Trust
ALT: Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg: If We Don't Have Trust
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Breaking the law again, Trump names Bill Pulte the Acting DNI. Per the law creating the DNI post: “The Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence shall act for, and exercise the powers of, the Director of National Intelligence . . . /1 www.politico.com/news/2026/06...
politico.com
Trump names Bill Pulte acting director of national intelligence
Pulte — who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency — will take over for Tulsi Gabbard.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Remembering friends and colleagues, and those who came before us, who lost their lives alongside our military, as well as in the shadows. 🙏🏻 🇺🇸
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
That would be bad.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Just like the next guy, I love me some good former case officers, but the media’s mono-focus on them, over analysts or folks with experience in SIGINT, cyber, or imagery, for example, when analyzing what makes for good IC governance, gets old. Just saying. /End
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I’m sure DNIs Jim Clapper and Mike McConnell might take umbrage at the idea that they didn’t have prior field opintel experience. And call me crazy, but having a DNI who is more adept at navigating bureaucracy than a surveillance detection route is a good thing. /2
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Re this passage: “Lukas […] came up through the CIA’s Directorate of Operations so has ‘real field experience and an appreciation for operations instead of bureaucracy,’ […] That would be a first for anyone serving in the DNI role.” /1 www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
washingtonpost.com
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as director of national intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard abruptly resigned as director of national intelligence, saying she is leaving the post because of her husband's illness.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Thanks, @NewsHour and @nickschifrin, for the invitation. Watch what I had to say ⬇️ www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
pbs.org
Tulsi Gabbard’s record and impact on the U.S. intelligence community
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, the highest-ranking intelligence official in the U.S. government, has resigned. She said her husband is suffering from a rare bone cancer that requires...
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Any relook at the DNI role and IC structure should be done only with serious bipartisan review and recommendation. /2
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Post 9/11 the DCI should have been strengthened, not abandoned. And the DNI role WAS poorly legislated. But tossing it out now 20 years on AND letting Trump (who hates and distrusts intel) reform the IC—I don’t think so. /1 www.thebulwark.com/p/tulsi-gabb...
thebulwark.com
Tulsi Gabbard’s Office Shouldn’t Exist
And her tenure in it proves exactly why.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
We crafted this at the DNI’s 20th anniversary in part to guide those there today. As pundits debate the DNI position in light of Gabbard’s resignation, this special look is worth reading. READ: www.cia.gov/resources/cs...
cia.gov
Studies in Intelligence 68, No. 5 (Special Edition, IRTPA 20 Years On, December 2024) - CSI
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Although not her biggest fan, I do wish her and her husband well. Cancer sucks. As for the DNI position or its office, let’s not immediately conflate her ineffectiveness or her minimal intelligence influence with the President with a need or not for the position or office.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Just wrapped up a great discussion with my friends from @spytalkpodcast.bsky.social. Follow them to catch this podcast when it is published to hear us dissect recent activities in the US Intelligence Community.
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JJ Green @jjgreenjr.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Great News today! My bookThe Noise War is Amazon's #1 New Release in several categories. amzn.to/4qUstHy Great chapter on @genmhayden.bsky.social @haydencenter.bsky.social - Thanks @icds-tallinn.bsky.social, @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social, @maddow.bsky.social @miafarrow.bsky.social for the inspiration
amzn.to
The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth When Everything Is Lying to You
The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth When Everything Is Lying to You [Green, JJ] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth When Everything Is Lying to You
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
I'm a proud member of the National Security Leaders for America, a nonpartisan coalition of nearly 1,500 former senior officials committed to upholding democratic principles and protecting the integrity of U.S. national security. You too may be able to join at this link: www.nsl4a.org/join-nsl4a
nsl4a.org
Seeking former National Security Professionals to join National Security Leaders for America — National Security Leaders for America
Our Members are former government leaders and include democrats, republicans, independents, and politically unaffiliated individuals. They include Generals, Admirals, Senior Enlisted personnel, and fo...
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
I had a great conversation with GMU President Gregory Washington about @netflix.com's blockbuster film, A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE, on his ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE podcast. He loved the movie and I loved serving as a consultant to the production. LISTEN HERE: www.gmu.edu/news/2026-01...
gmu.edu
Podcast: Behind the scenes of "A House of Dynamite"
Director of George Mason University's Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security Larry Pfeiffer joins to talk about his role in the Netflix film “A House of Dynamite...
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MSW Media @mswmedia.com · 17/10/2025
New #SpyTalk podcast with hosts @spytalker.bsky.social & @misikoff.bsky.social #MSWMedia 🕵🏼 Guest: @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social Listen: spytalk.simplecast.com/episodes/how...
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
I had a great time chatting with my friends at SpyTalk podcast about the new natsec thriller A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE. Listen in ⬇️
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
I participated in The Steady State's press call today discussing its new assessment of the decline of democracy in the United States, written by former US intelligence analysts using analytic tradecraft honed over decades of public service. ⬇️
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
I had a great chat w/ @BBCNewshour's Paul Henley this evening. Starts at the 3:10-minute mark--why US Presidents don't normally confirm CIA covert operations. LISTEN: www.bbc.com/audio/play/w...
bbc.com
BBC Audio | Newshour | Donald Trump has authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela
This could allow the intelligence agency to carry out lethal operations in the country
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
More kind words from Rebecca Ferguson on prepping for her role as a senior duty officer in the White House Situation Room in A House of Dynamite. READ: www.indiewire.com/features/int...
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Hayden Center @haydencenter.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Our director Larry Pfeiffer gets a shout-out from Rebecca Ferguson--star of Dune, Mission Impossible, Silo, and now A House of Dynamite. Thread ⬇️
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Jason Clarke plays the Sr Director of the WH Situation Room: [These are] "just ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances having to carry out their jobs. Nobody is coming to save us. There is just us." www.netflix.com/tudum/articl...
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
"[Rebecca Ferguson] cites one of Pfeiffer’s cardinal rules: “ ‘You never lose your shit in the Situation Room.’ If you need a break, you leave; you walk out, because you have to maintain calm in every situation." www.netflix.com/tudum/featur...
netflix.com
Rebecca Ferguson Embraces Truthfulness in A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE
In Kathryn Bigelow’s film, the actress is a force to be reckoned with.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Rebecca Ferguson: “They hooked me up with Larry Pfeiffer. He was the man. He’s basically the guy who Jason Clarke plays [in the film]. He’d been that guy, and he was on set every day.” I'm blushing. Go see A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE--now (UK), Oct 10 (US & the world). www.netflix.com/tudum/featur...
netflix.com
Rebecca Ferguson Embraces Truthfulness in A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE
In Kathryn Bigelow’s film, the actress is a force to be reckoned with.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
RIP Joe Burns. I’ll never forget the late night spent in an after-hours pub in London that catered to the USN. Smooth seas! www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/w...
dignitymemorial.com
Joseph Burns Obituary - Washington, DC
Celebrate the life of Joseph Burns, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of DeVol Funeral Home.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
BREAKING: Trump to rename the Interior Department the Department of the EXTERIOR. "I noticed that all the national parks were outside. No one had made that connection before," Trump said in making this announcement.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
A Loomer-cide? Or a natural evolution?
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Nice
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Can’t Trump just buy a monster truck with big tires and fog lamps to compensate for, well, you know? Trump to rename the Defense Department the Department of War www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
media.tenor.com
a monster truck is driving through a muddy field with a crowd in the background
ALT: a monster truck is driving through a muddy field with a crowd in the background
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Hayden Center @haydencenter.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
What's our director Larry Pfeiffer up to when he's not running the show here? He's helping Oscar-winning directors make movies. A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE hits theaters on Oct 3 in the UK and Oct 10 in the US and worldwide. Streaming on Netflix on Oct 24.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Congrats to Kathryn Bigelow, Noah Oppenheim, and Greg Shapiro for the successful launch of A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE today at the Venice Film Festival! I'm proud to have played a part, serving as technical advisor on the film's White House action. @netflix.com deadline.com/2025/09/hous...
deadline.com
‘A House Of Dynamite’: What The Critics Are Saying About Kathryn Bigelow’s Nuclear Thriller
Netflix and Kathryn Bigelow's nuclear thriller is going down a storm at the Venice Film Festival.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
It can happen but is rare. The irony is that in many cases the raw collection is automatically shared with, or has been collected by one of, the Five Eye partners.
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
NSA is historically a very hierarchical organization that rewards experience and time served. There could be many in the ranks who will bristle at his return at the top of the agency. /END
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Francescon’s rapid rise is more likely because of his White House and Pentagon association with Chris Miller and Kash Patel in Trump 1.0. /3
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
This experience has been even more critical during the modern era where the Director is dual-hatted as Commander Cyber Command. /2
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Larry Pfeiffer @larrypfeifferdc.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Possibly a talented young man, rich in counterterrorism experience, Francesco will be the least experienced Deputy Director of NSA ever. Predecessors have had decades of NSA experience complementing the more itinerant nature of the military Director. /1
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