Trump administration rescinds security clearances of 37 US officials

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
20 Aug 2025 12:09

Tulsi Gabbard, acting under Trump’s direction, revoked the security clearances of 37 US officials, accusing them of politicizing intelligence.

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US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The Trump administration, through US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials. The action, carried out under the direction of US President Donald Trump, marks the latest move in a broader effort to target individuals perceived as political adversaries within the United States intelligence community.

In a memo released Tuesday, Gabbard accused the officials of politicizing intelligence, mishandling classified information, and failing to uphold professional analytic standards. The memo did not provide specific evidence to support the claims.

According to Gabbard’s memo, those targeted engaged in behavior that allegedly undermined their responsibilities by using intelligence for personal or partisan purposes. She defended the revocations by emphasizing the importance of trust in the national security system.

“Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right,” Gabbard wrote on X. “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 added in the social media post announcing the memo, "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."

Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right. 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. In… pic.twitter.com/23DUNuVAi0
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) August 19, 2025

Fallout and accusations of retaliation

Many of the affected individuals previously served in key national security roles, including in matters related to the 2016 election and the Russian interference investigation. Several were signatories of a 2019 letter critical of Trump, which recently resurfaced on social media via right-wing activist Laura Loomer.

Critics say the move is part of a long-standing campaign by Trump to weaponize federal powers against perceived enemies. Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer whose clearance was also revoked, called the decision unconstitutional and retaliatory.

“These are unlawful and unconstitutional decisions that deviate from well-settled, decades-old laws and policies,” Zaid said in a statement, as quoted by AP, calling the accusations hypocritical.

Legal and professional ramifications

Security clearances are essential not only for current government officials but also for former ones employed in sensitive private-sector roles. Losing a clearance could jeopardize employment, though it remains unclear how many of the individuals still possess active clearance or require one.

Some officials named in the memo reportedly learned of the revocation through media reports. Two former officials, speaking anonymously, said they are considering legal action against the administration.

Trump had previously announced his intent to revoke clearances from dozens of former officials, including those who signed a 2020 letter suggesting the Hunter Biden laptop saga resembled a Russian disinformation operation.

He also revoked the clearances of former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, though federal judges reportedly blocked attempts to target private law firms.