Disagree with Donald Trump and you may get your security clearance revoked. Senator Rand Paul seemed to get the ball rolling with a series of tweets including this one.
Just got out of WH meeting with @realDonaldTrump. I restated to him what I have said in public: John Brennan and others partisans should have their security clearances revoked.
— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) July 23, 2018
When White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was asked about this today she took it a step further rattling off a series of people that may have their security clearance revoked.
.@PressSec: “Not only is the president looking to take away Brennan’s security clearance, he’s also looking into the security clearances of Comey, Clapper, Rice and McCabe.”
— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) July 23, 2018
It’s interesting to note that the White House most likely hasn’t thought this idea through because at least two people on that list already lost security clearance when they were fired.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe's security clearance was already deactivated when he was terminated, his spokesperson said on Twitter, despite President Trump reportedly considering doing just that https://t.co/aLnQS0H823 pic.twitter.com/FnVzxbfy4i
— CNN (@CNN) July 23, 2018
I just texted @Comey asking whether he even has a security clearance to revoke.
“Nope,” he responded. There’s nothing for POTUS to revoke. Comey says he was “read out” when he left government as per normal practice. 1/2
— Benjamin Wittes (@benjaminwittes) July 23, 2018
We are already hearing from others on the list too.
Former DNI James Clapper on Trump's threat to revoke his security clearance: “It’s kind of a sad commentary for political reasons. This is kind of a petty way of retribution, I suppose, for speaking out against the president” pic.twitter.com/Q2FGIQegiM
— Axios (@axios) July 23, 2018
I dont go back for classified briefings. Won’t have any effect on what I say or write
— Gen Michael Hayden (@GenMhayden) July 23, 2018
And as White House correspondent April Ryan points out this is all really just for show. These aren’t people getting security briefings. They would only be privy to information if the White House called on them.
The only time the 6 former intelligence officials in question would use their security clearance is to get info from this admin & if they were invited to an intelligence meeting. Sources contend the Trump admin has not given them info nor ever asked for their help.
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) July 23, 2018
The only damage being done by stripping James Clapper, John Brennan, James Comey, Michael Hayden & Susan Rice of their security clearance, (Andrew McCabe's was already stripped), is that in a national emergency, where their knowledge is needed, it won't be available.
— Edan Clay (@EdanClay) July 23, 2018
Watch the full press briefing above.
