security Clearances Revoked for 37 Intelligence Officials Amid Politicization Concerns
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WASHINGTON - Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the revocation of security clearances for 37 current and former intelligence officials. The action stems from allegations of abusing public trust through the politicization and manipulation of intelligence facts, including those involved in the 2016 election assessment.
An ODNI memo detailed that the individuals either politicized or weaponized intelligence, failed too adequately safeguard classified information, or did not adhere to established tradecraft standards. The President directed the immediate termination of their access to classified systems, facilities, and materials, as well as the end of any goverment contracts or employment.
“being entrusted wiht a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” Gabbard stated. “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.”
Key Figures Affected
Among those impacted is James Clapper, a former top aide to Barack Obama as Director of National Intelligence. Stephanie O’Sullivan, ex-Principal Deputy DNI, and Vinh nguyen, who served under Clapper, also had their clearances revoked. Nguyen was most recently the National Security Agency’s first chief responsible for artificial intelligence.
His involvement in the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was first reported by Real Clear Investigations earlier this month.
Samantha Vinograd, former assistant secretary for counterterrorism, threat prevention, and law enforcement policy at the Department of Homeland Security, and Andrew P. Miller, a former member of Obama’s National Security council, were also included in the list. Loren dejonge Schulman, a senior advisor to Susan Rice, and Beth Sanner, former vice-chair of the National Intelligence Council, also lost their clearances.
Did You Know?
The ICA report, released in January 2017, concluded that the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election with the goal of harming Hillary Clinton’s campaign and helping Donald trump. This assessment became a central point of contention and fueled investigations into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Background: The 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment
The revoked clearances relate, in part, to the crafting of the 2017 ICA under the Obama administration. Gabbard has described the process as a “treasonous conspiracy” aimed at undermining President Trump’s 2016 victory. Records indicate that Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, and former FBI Director James Comey spearheaded the report, emphasizing Moscow’s alleged support for then-candidate Trump.
Several of the affected officials also signed a September 2019 statement supporting the House Democrats’ first impeachment inquiry into Trump.
| Official | Former Role | Key Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| James Clapper | Director of National Intelligence | Oversaw the 2017 ICA |
| Stephanie O’Sullivan | Principal Deputy DNI | worked on the 2017 ICA |
| Vinh Nguyen | NSA AI Officer | Contributed to the 2017 ICA |
| Samantha Vinograd | Assistant Secretary, DHS | Signed impeachment inquiry statement |
Gabbard has begun declassifying records related to the ICA, revealing what she alleges were flaws in the assessment’s methodology and potential political motivations. CIA Director John ratcliffe previously released a review highlighting a “chaotic” and “atypical” process, raising concerns about a “potential political motive.”
The department of Justice has opened a grand jury investigation into Brennan, Comey, and Clapper regarding the Russiagate probe.
Pro Tip:
Understanding the context of the 2016 election and the subsequent investigations is crucial for interpreting these developments. The ICA report and the allegations of politicization have been at the center of a highly charged political debate for years.
Gabbard emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional values and focusing on the safety and security of the American people. She stated that the Intelligence Community must maintain a “laser-like focus” on its core mission.
What impact will these revocations have on ongoing investigations and future intelligence assessments? How will this action affect public trust in the intelligence community?
Evergreen Context: Security Clearances and Political Influence
The revocation of security clearances is a notable action, typically reserved for cases of serious misconduct or compromise. The process for obtaining and maintaining a security clearance is rigorous, involving extensive background checks and ongoing monitoring. According to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s 2016 Security Clearance Reform Report,streamlining and improving the security clearance process is a continuous effort to balance national security needs with individual rights.
The allegations of political influence within the intelligence community raise broader concerns about the impartiality of intelligence assessments and the potential for bias to shape national security policy. Maintaining the integrity of the intelligence process is essential for informed decision-making and protecting national interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a security clearance? A security clearance is a determination by the U.S. government that an individual is eligible for access to classified national security information.
- why were these clearances revoked? The clearances were revoked due to allegations of politicizing intelligence, mishandling classified information, and failing to follow proper procedures.
- What is the 2017 intelligence Community Assessment? The ICA was a report assessing Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
- Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Tulsi Gabbard is the current Director of National Intelligence, appointed by the president.
- What is the potential impact of these revocations? The revocations could impact ongoing investigations and raise questions about the integrity of past intelligence assessments.
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