Trump management Intensifies Actions Against Political Opponents, revoking Security Clearances and Access
A growing number of high-profile figures-including former presidents, intelligence officials, and even medical experts-have faced restrictions on their access to classified information or lost trusted privileges under actions taken during and after the Trump administration, according to a Univision News inquiry. The list of individuals impacted appears to reflect a pattern of targeting those perceived as adversaries by the former president, raising concerns about the politicization of national security protocols.
The actions,many initiated during Trump’s second term,represent a significant shift in how security clearances and access are managed,moving beyond standard protocol based on risk assessment. Dozens of names appear on the list, encompassing individuals from across the political spectrum who have at times publicly criticized or investigated Trump or his allies. The implications extend beyond individual inconvenience, possibly hindering future administrations’ ability to draw on experienced personnel and raising questions about the long-term health of democratic institutions.
Among those affected is Jack Smith, the special investigator currently overseeing the prosecution related to the January 6, 2021, assault on the capitol. Also included are Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security; hunter and Ashley Biden, children of former President joe Biden; Mike Pompeo, trump’s former Secretary of State; General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Hillary Clinton, former presidential candidate and Secretary of State; Leon Panetta, former CIA director and Secretary of Defense; and John brennan, former director of the CIA.
The revocations and restrictions aren’t limited to those directly involved in investigations or political opposition. The list also includes Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who frequently clashed with Trump over the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent of the actions and the criteria used to determine them remain largely opaque, fueling speculation about politically motivated decision-making within the administration.
