Is this the reason why Trump installed a loyalist troll with no relevant experience as the acting director of national intelligence?
Yes.
Intelligence officials reportedly told the House Intelligence Committee that Russia is once again interfering in the election on behalf of Donald Trump.
U.S. intelligence officials told members of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee in a classified briefing last week that Russia was again interfering in American politics ahead of November’s election, a person familiar with the discussion told Reuters. [...]
Last week’s classified congressional briefing sparked a sharp response by Trump, who rebuked acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire for allowing his staff to brief the lawmakers, including Democratic House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who led the impeachment inquiry, the New York Times reported, quoting five people familiar with the matter.
Trump then dismissed Maguire, announcing this week that Richard Grenell, a Trump loyalist, would be the acting intelligence chief, even as he continues serving as U.S. ambassador to Germany. His appointment drew sharp rebukes from Democrats and other critics who said Grenell lacked intelligence experience.
So, it's crystal clear what happened here.
Trump replaced a qualified intelligence official with a used car salesman because the salesman will help him avoid future damaging headlines. Trump is also placing our national security and the integrity of the next election at risk to protect himself, but that's a feature, not a bug.
Even if you don't believe that Trump directly coordinates with the Russian government, it's abundantly clear that all other concerns are secondary to his own ego and vanity.
Moscow issued statements this morning to deny that they're interfering in the election again, but of course they would say that.