Trump Administration Revokes 37 Security Clearances in Washington

Download IPFS

The Trump administration has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials, according to an announcement made Tuesday by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

In a memo posted to X, Gabbard said the officials lost their clearances for “politicizing and manipulating intelligence, leaking classified material without authorization, and committing intentional violations of tradecraft standards.” She stated the action was carried out under the direction of former President Donald Trump.

“Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” Gabbard wrote. “Those in the Intelligence Community who betray their oath to the Constitution and put their interests ahead of the American people have broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold.”

Officials Affected

The memo included a list of 37 names but did not provide evidence or case details. Media reports indicated that several individuals had been involved in the 2017 intelligence assessment of Russian election interference. Others were reportedly connected to President Joe Biden’s national security council or had signed a 2019 letter raising concerns about Trump’s conduct while in office.

That 2019 letter resurfaced last month after being circulated online by political activist Laura Loomer. It had been endorsed by several former intelligence officials, many of whom were critical of Trump’s approach to foreign policy and national security.

Divided Reactions

The announcement drew mixed reactions. National security attorney Mark Zaid, who himself faced clearance revocation under Trump, described the move as “pure politicization of the security clearance process.” He argued that decades of precedent had been set aside and that some affected individuals were not formally notified before the memo appeared on social media.

Former CIA officer Susan Miller, who oversaw parts of the U.S. assessment on Russian election interference, dismissed Gabbard’s accusations as “false and misleading.” Critics say the decision reflects a broader effort by Trump and his allies to target figures in the intelligence community who opposed or criticized his policies.

Supporters of the move, however, argue that officials who leak classified information or act with political bias undermine national security and should not hold clearances.

Broader Pattern of Actions

The revocations appear to be part of a wider pattern of actions taken by Trump’s team against intelligence and national security figures who questioned his conduct. In July, Gabbard accused former President Barack Obama and his advisers of conspiring to undermine Trump during the 2016 campaign, a claim the Department of Justice said it would review through a “strike force” unit.

Earlier this year, Trump also ordered the removal of security clearances for former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and vocal critics such as Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Implications

Security clearance revocations are highly unusual at this scale and have traditionally been limited to cases involving proven misconduct or security breaches. Experts warn that politicizing the clearance process could discourage intelligence officials from providing candid assessments, ultimately affecting national security.

The latest action underscores the tense relationship between Trump and the intelligence community, with both sides accusing the other of undermining public trust. As the political debate intensifies, the revocations highlight the ongoing conflict over accountability, loyalty, and the role of national security institutions in U.S. governance.