In a controversial move, Tulsi Gabbard has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former intelligence officials, accusing them of undermining the integrity of the intelligence community for political purposes. Critics argue this is a strategic distraction from pressing issues.
Security Clearances Revoked: Gabbard Targets 37 Intelligence Officials
Security Clearances Revoked: Gabbard Targets 37 Intelligence Officials
Tulsi Gabbard, acting on Trump’s directives, revokes security clearances of 37 U.S. intelligence personnel, citing politicization of intelligence.
In a significant and contentious development, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced the revocation of security clearances for 37 individuals within the U.S. intelligence community, claiming they have politicized intelligence for personal or partisan gain. This directive, purportedly influenced by President Donald Trump, targets multiple officials from previous Democratic administrations, including those who served under Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
Gabbard’s memo, shared on social media, did not provide specific evidence to substantiate the allegations but stated that these officials had "abused the public trust." She accused them of manipulating intelligence, leaking classified information without authorization, and violating tradecraft standards. The ability to hold a security clearance is regarded as a privilege tied to one’s unwavering commitment to serve the interests of the American public and uphold the Constitution.
These revocations come in the wake of previous actions by the Trump administration, which has a history of stripping clearances from officials who challenged or investigated Trump's presidency, including Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris. With the memo not clarifying the current status of the affected officials' clearances, questions remain as to how many of the individuals were still active recipients.
Gabbard's move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Democratic representatives who argue that such actions serve more as a distractive tactic in light of Trump's controversial policy decisions and his alleged connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a pointed response, a spokesperson for former President Obama described Gabbard’s claims as both ‘bizarre’ and a weak attempt to divert attention from more pressing political issues.
This latest incident is part of a larger campaign by Gabbard, who has publicly challenged the narratives surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 elections, labeling such assessments as a conspiracy to undermine Trump’s leadership. The implications of this revocation of security clearances extend beyond individual reputations and delve into the broader discourse on trust, integrity, and partisanship within the intelligence community.
