Trump Administration Revokes Security Clearances of 37 Intelligence Officials
Washington DC ,Aug 21(HS): In one of the most sweeping purges of the US intelligence community in recent history, President Donald Trump’s administration — through Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard — has revoked the security clearances
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Washington DC ,Aug 21(HS):

In one of the most sweeping purges of the US intelligence community in recent history, President Donald Trump’s administration — through Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard — has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former senior officials, many of whom served under Democratic presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

The decision, announced in a memo posted on social media by Gabbard, accused the targeted officials of politicising intelligence, leaking classified information, and breaching the public trust. No specific evidence was made public, and the memo provided no details on individual cases, but Gabbard asserted the move was necessary to “restore integrity and impartiality” within the intelligence community.

“Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” she declared, adding that anyone who “betrays their oath to the Constitution… has broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold.”

Targets from Past Administrations

The revocations reportedly affect national security advisers, CIA officers, and senior aides who advised both Obama- and Biden-era administrations, several of whom played key roles in the 2016–2021 Russia election interference investigations. Many of those findings concluded that Moscow meddled to bolster Trump’s first presidential run — a conclusion Trump and now Gabbard have repeatedly derided as a “treasonous conspiracy.”

This sweeping move follows earlier clearances being revoked from Biden, Kamala Harris, and lawmakers who were involved in investigations into the January 6 Capitol riot. Democrats have slammed the latest action as a political vendetta designed to weaken critics and deflect from Trump’s ongoing controversies — including revelations of his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

An Obama spokesman dismissed the accusations outright, calling them “ridiculous” and a “transparent distraction.”

Downsizing of Intelligence Agencies

Alongside the memo, Gabbard unveiled a dramatic restructuring of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) — announcing a 40% workforce reduction and $700m budget cut. She argued the agency had grown “bloated and inefficient” since its creation in the wake of 9/11 and must be radically streamlined.

The move has sparked alarm among intelligence veterans, who argue downsizing could cripple the US’s ability to monitor threats and respond to crises. Critics say it risks politicising intelligence further, undermining the very impartiality Trump claims to be restoring.

Political Stakes

The revocations are seen as a continuation of the Trump administration’s long-running battle with the intelligence establishment. By stripping dozens of seasoned officials of their access, the White House consolidates greater control over the flow of classified information while sidelining voices that challenge its narrative.

While the DNI insists the action strengthens accountability, former intelligence chiefs warn it amounts to retaliation against experts who contradicted Trump on national security issues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar


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