Trump Admin Revokes 37 Security Clearances Over ‘Egregious Violations’

Directed by President Donald Trump, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard ordered the revocation of security clearances and employment terminations of 37 officials who allegedly politicized and weaponized intelligence, failed to secure information, failed to reach tradecraft standards, or otherwise breached government trust. 

The Details: Gabbard alleged that the current and former officials engaged in some or all of the “egregious violations.” Several of the officials took part in former President Barack Obama’s probe into Trump’s 2016 election victory, which resulted in formal allegations of Russian interference. Gabbard alleged last month, amidst an investigation into the “Russiagate” probe, that such officials attempted to “subvert President Trump’s 2016 victory.”

The Memo: Gabbard asserted in the August 18th memo, “Intelligence Community professionals must remain nonpartisan, fact-driven, and committed to truth above all else. All personnel are reminded that holding a clearance is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege is contingent upon continued adherence to the principles and responsibilities of our profession. Any betrayal of these standards compromises not only our mission, but also the safety and security of the American people.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets on the right generally provided more context surrounding Gabbard’s allegations and their relation to Russiagate. New York Post (Lean Right bias), for example, stated, “Many of the ‘egregious’ errors made in the assessment ended up triggering a years-long probe that dogged the 45th president through much of his first term.” Axios (Lean Left), on the other hand, wrote that Obama’s investigation “found Russia interfered in the first election that President Trump won, a conclusion that received bipartisan support in Congress.” The outlet also gave voice to a lawyer who said the public release of names in the memo may violate the Privacy Act System of records.

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