Donald Trump Threatens To Revoke Security Clearances For Ex-U.S. Officials Who Criticized Him

Donald Trump is looking into “mechanisms” to revoke security clearances for former U.S. officials who have criticized his actions in the Russia investigation as well as his relationship with #VladmirPutin.⠀

On Monday, White House press secretary #SarahSanders stated the administration is reviewing clearances for former CIA director John Brennan, former FBI director James Comey, former national intelligence director James Clapper, former CIA director Michael Hayden, former national security adviser Susan Rice and former deputy FBI director Andrew McCabe, according to USA Today. 

“They politicize and in some cases actually monetize their public service and their security clearances in making baseless accusations of improper contact with Russia,” Sanders said.

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Officials with security clearances are allowed to collaborate with companies on classified defense programs and guide private contractors. It also gives security officials the ability to talk to the people who now hold their former government  positions.

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Former CIA director John Brennan referred to Trump’s blatant denial of special counsel Robert Mueller’s intelligence findings as “nothing short of treasonous.” Brennan served under the George W. Bush administration, and acted as CIA director under President #BarackObama. Brennan in particular has shared much disdain for Trump’s behavior in the White House.

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Sanders added during Monday’s briefing, “The fact that people with security clearances are making baseless charges provides inappropriate legitimacy to accusations with zero evidence.” The gag is having a security clearance won’t give you access to classified information. That’s what Clapper, the former director of national intelligence told CNN, saying his clearance “has nothing to do with how I or any of us feel about the president. And I don’t get the briefings. I don’t have access to classified information.”

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As of now, there are no details on how Trump plans to remove clearances from the former officials.