In a recent action directed by President Trump, Tulsi Gabbard has revoked the security clearances of 37 U.S. intelligence officials, igniting political controversy. Accusations include abuses of trust and unauthorized leaks, though specifics remain unclarified.
Tulsi Gabbard Revokes Security Clearances of 37 U.S. Intelligence Officials Under Trump's Directive
Tulsi Gabbard Revokes Security Clearances of 37 U.S. Intelligence Officials Under Trump's Directive
The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has enacted a controversial move by revoking the security clearances of numerous intelligence officials, accusing them of politicizing intelligence.
In a significant move reflecting the ongoing political tensions surrounding U.S. intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former intelligence officials. This directive, which Gabbard claims was ordered by President Donald Trump, accuses individuals of politicizing intelligence for personal or partisan gain.
The list includes officials who served under Democratic presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, although Gabbard provided no specific evidence for the allegations in the memo she shared via social media. Security clearances are essential for accessing sensitive governmental information, and they are often retained by former officials to provide counsel to their successors. Certain roles in the private sector, particularly in defense and aerospace, mandate security clearances as a condition of hiring.
The memo raised questions regarding whether all 37 individuals mentioned still held active clearances. Gabbard asserted that the revocations were necessary because these officials had "abused the public trust by politicizing and manipulating intelligence, leaking classified intelligence without authorization, and committing intentional egregious violations of tradecraft standards." She emphasized her view that possessing a security clearance is a privilege, not an entitlement.
Notably, the memo did not specify direct charges against individual officials. This decision marks not the first instance of security clearance revocation under the Trump administration; previous actions included stripping clearances from Biden, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and other lawmakers related to investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot.
Recently, Gabbard has notably criticized former intelligence officials who concluded that Russia's interference played a role in the 2016 elections—concerns that Trump and Gabbard have referred to as a "treasonous conspiracy." The Democrats have characterized the move as a political ploy aimed at diverting attention from adverse policies and Trump’s alleged connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In response to these accusations, a spokesperson for Obama dismissed the claims as "bizarre" and trivial.
