News & Updates
President Trump implied that the reasoning behind why he revoked John Brennan’s security clearance is because of criticism, noting in a tweet that Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper “is being nice” to him to keep his clearance.
Huffington Post The HillEven James Clapper has admonished John Brennan for having gone totally off the rails. Maybe Clapper is being nice to me so he doesn’t lose his Security Clearance for lying to Congress!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 21, 2018
August 16, 2018: Brennan Fires Back At Trump Saying Move Was “Politically Motivated”
In an op-ed in the New York Times, Brennan argues that the gesture was an attempt by Trump to silence “anyone who would dare challenge him.”
New York TimesPresident Trump blamed Brennan for the ongoing special counsel investigation into alleged Russian interference with the 2016 election and drew a connection to the removal of his security clearance in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Wall Street JournalAugust 15, 2018: Ex-CIA Director’s Security Clearance Revoked, Other Critics Under Consideration
President Trump revoked former CIA Director John Brennan’s security clearance, citing what he calls “a series of unfounded and outrageous allegations, wild outbursts on the internet and on television” about his administration. The Trump administration is evaluating the clearances of other law enforcement and intelligence officials as well.
Brennan responded to the action saying that the action is part of a broader effort for Trump to suppress freedom of speech.
This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics. It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent. https://t.co/TNzOxhP9ux
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) August 15, 2018
Brennan, who served in roles under the Obama and Bush administrations, has been a vocal critic of President Trump’s. Just a day prior, Brennan slammed President Trump’s standards of civility in a tweet.
It’s astounding how often you fail to live up to minimum standards of decency, civility, & probity. Seems like you will never understand what it means to be president, nor what it takes to be a good, decent, & honest person. So disheartening, so dangerous for our Nation. https://t.co/eI9HaCec1m
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) August 14, 2018
NBC Vox Reuters
Opinion & Analysis
Jeffrey H. Smith, former general counsel of the CIA, writes on President Trump’s “unprecedented decision” to revoke Brennan’s security clearence:
The New York Times“I believe the president has grossly abused his authority and violated Mr. Brennan’s First Amendment right to speak freely. The president’s actions are therefore unconstitutional and demand a response from Congress.”
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