Multiple sources, including Axios, the Associated Press (via Time) and NBC News, are reporting that Andrew Peek, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq and Iran, and more recently National Security Council advisor on Europe and Russia issues, was escorted from the White House on Friday and has been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of a security-related investigation.
Dr. Peek has occupied the position previously held by Dr. Fiona Hill, and more recently by Tim Morrison, both of whom testified before the House Intelligence Committee during the Impeachment Hearings.
Dr. Peek hold a doctorate in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, received a master’s degree from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
Dr. Peek served as an Army Intelligence Officer in Afghanistan. Prior to his Army service, Dr. Peek acted an an advisor to Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon and Senator Mike Johanns of Nebraska.
Dr. Peek had been slated to accompany Donald Trump to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, but now, that will not be happening. What prompted the investigation remains unclear. The NSC declined to comment. Dr. Peek also declined to comment.
This all seems highly mysterious.
An additional thought: From what I have read, Dr. Peek’s background was not focussed on Europe and Russia. Rather, his background relates to the Near East. Does this suggest that the NSC is having a hard time filling with people with relevant experience and education slots related to Russia?