Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced Tuesday that the Trump administration has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials, accusing them of “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” and other misconduct. The memo, posted on X, provided no evidence.
Those targeted include officials from past administrations, some of whom worked on assessments that angered Trump, including the 2017 finding that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to benefit him. Others had signed a 2019 letter critical of Trump. Among them is Sam Vinograd, a former Homeland Security official and now CBS News contributor.
Critics argue that the move risks stifling dissent within the intelligence community. National security attorney Mark Zaid, whose own clearance was revoked, called the decision “unlawful and unconstitutional,” adding it was hypocritical to accuse others of politicizing intelligence.
Gabbard defended the move, writing: “Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right. Those… who betray their oath to the Constitution… have broken the sacred trust.”
Trump has used clearance revocations before, targeting figures such as Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and John Brennan. Security experts warn the practice could harm former officials who rely on clearances for private-sector work.
Some affected individuals told the Associated Press they only learned of the action from media reports and are considering legal challenges.
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