“These are unlawful and unconstitutional decisions that deviate from well-settled, decades-old laws and policies that sought to protect against just this type of action.”
He added that it was hypocritical for the administration to accuse others of politicizing intelligence while engaging in what he described as retaliatory purges.
Impacts on Former Officials and National Security
Stripping security clearances has implications not only for current federal employees but also for former officials whose private-sector work relies on access to classified information. Some of the 37 officials named reportedly learned of the decision only through press reports and are now considering legal action.
As the New York Post notes, the list includes Stephanie O’Sullivan and Vinh Nguyen, both of whom worked under Clapper when the disputed 2017 ICA was drafted.
The revocation underscores Trump’s deep and ongoing distrust of the intelligence community, raising concerns among critics that dissenting voices within national security circles are being silenced.
