I believe Trump thought he could meet with the Intelligence Community, particularly the CIA, and charm them into compliance by praising them and stressing his admiration for their work. The effort was unsuccessful. Trump must take a very hard line approach to these people because they are a most dangerous part of the obstructionism that is actively working to destroy his presidency.
I agree. Smiles and applause mean nothing really.
Like the old axiom says “Its not what they say, its what they do.”