Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced the revocation of 37 security clearances from current and former intelligence officials accused of “abusing public trust by politicizing and manipulating” information.
Several of those stripped of clearances were tied to the controversial Russia collusion narrative, in which senior intelligence figures signed off on a disputed report alleging Russian interference decisively influenced the 2016 presidential election, despite evidence to the contrary.
According to an ODNI memo issued Monday, the officials in question either politicized or weaponized intelligence, mishandled classified information, or failed to adhere to tradecraft standards. Among those losing clearance was a senior aide to former DNI James Clapper.
“The President has directed that, effective immediately, the security clearances of the following 37 individuals are revoked,” the memo, which was obtained by the New York Post, stated.
“Their access to classified systems, facilities, materials, and information is to be terminated forthwith. Any contracts or employment with the U.S. Government by these 37 individuals is hereby terminated. Any credentials held by these individuals must be surrendered to the appropriate security officers,” the memo continued.
Among those who lost their clearances was Vinh Nguyen, who helped then-DNI James Clapper draft the widely discredited 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment. That report asserted Russia favored then-candidate Donald Trump and claimed Russian interference had a decisive impact on the 2016 presidential election.
The ICA was finalized and approved by senior Obama officials, including Clapper, then-FBI Director James Comey, and then-CIA Director John Brennan, despite evidence contradicting both claims.
“Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” Gabbard said in a statement. “Those in the Intelligence Community who betray their oath to the Constitution and put their own interests ahead of the interests of the American people have broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold.”
“Our Intelligence Community must be committed to upholding the values and principles enshrined in the US Constitution,” Gabbard added, “and maintain a laser-like focus on our mission of ensuring the safety, security and freedom of the American people.”