In a significant move targeting past and present government officials, the Trump administration has removed the security clearances of 37 national security figures. The announcement, made by US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard, was detailed in a public memo and was carried out at the direction of President Donald Trump.
The DNI’s memo accused the individuals of a range of serious transgressions, including the manipulation and politicization of intelligence. The list of allegations also included the unauthorized release of classified information and the deliberate disregard for professional standards. In her memo, Gabbard said those who lost their status, “politicizing and manipulating intelligence, leaking classified intelligence without authorization, and/or committing intentional egregious violations of tradecraft standards”.
