[semimojo]

...leadership in the IC has worked to undermine his legitimate authority.

So why did Trump appoint them?

The IC works FOR the POTUS within the confines of the Constitution.

No, they work at the pleasure of POTUS.

They work for the people and take their oath to the Constitution, not the President.

[rjsimmon]

So why did Trump appoint them?

He didn't. They are remnants and POTUS has no inputs to that layer of employment.

No, they work at the pleasure of POTUS.

Distinction without a difference. We in the IC work FOR the DoD, the NSA, the DoJ, and the POTUS.