Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the cancellation of 37 security clearances for current and former government officials accused of “abusing public trust by politicizing and manipulating” intelligence. Among those affected are several individuals who played a role in the controversial intelligence assessment, ordered by Barack Obama, regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.
According to an ODNI memo released Monday, the officials lost their clearances due to allegations of either politicizing or weaponizing intelligence, mishandling classified materials, or failing to adhere to standard tradecraft procedures. The list includes a former senior aide to Obama-era DNI James Clapper.
“The President has directed that, effective immediately, the security clearances of the following 37 individuals are revoked,” the memo declared.
The directive further instructed, “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.”
Among those named is Vinh Nguyen, who worked closely with Clapper on the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, which has since faced widespread criticism for its findings suggesting that Russia favored Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election.
“Being entrusted with 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.”
Gabbard emphasized that the intelligence community must adhere to its highest obligations, saying, “Our Intelligence Community must be committed to upholding the values and principles enshrined in the US Constitution, and maintain a laser-like focus on our mission of ensuring the safety, security and freedom of the American people.”
