Trump's Canceling of 50 Security Clearances Is Unprecedented

Saturday, January 25, 2025

The move is meant to please Trump voters, punish perceived enemies and represents "the most politically saturated security action since the Oppenheimer case in the 1950s."

Posted by LampLighter at 05:32 PM | 57 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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The CIA has carried out an executive order signed by Trump to revoke security clearances for about 50 former intelligence officials and senior government officials who had signed a letter about Russia's possible role in spreading allegations against Hunter Biden. www.nbcnews.com/politics/don ...

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-- Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1.bsky.social) January 22, 2025 at 10:26 AM

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... President Donald Trump's decision this week to revoke the security clearances of more than four dozen former intelligence officials is an unprecedented move, underscoring his willingness to break decades-old norms to please his supporters and punish his perceived opponents, legal experts say.

"This is the most politically saturated security action since the Oppenheimer case in the 1950s," said Dan Meyer, a Washington-based lawyer who specializes in security clearance cases.

Meyer was referring to Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who oversaw the secret program to build the atomic bomb during World War II, who had his security clearance removed at the height of the McCarthy era over his prewar associations with the Communist Party.

Previous administrations have been accused of rescinding security clearances based on prejudice or political bias. Until 1995, for example, gay people often had their security clearances removed as officials claimed they could be subject to blackmail. During the Vietnam War, officials or contractors perceived to be opponents of the war had their clearances canceled, said Meyer, a partner at the law firm Tully Rinckey.

But no president has ever waded directly into the clearance process so publicly and on such a large scale as Trump did when he rescinded security clearances for 50 people in one step, Meyer and other legal experts said. Nor has a commander in chief chosen to publicly rescind security clearances for former CIA directors, deputy directors and other former top-ranking intelligence officials, many of whom worked for administrations from both parties. ...

#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-25 02:26 PM | Reply

They engaged in election interference. I'm happy this has taken place. Brennan and Clapper should be charged for lying to Congress.

#2 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-25 04:44 PM | Reply | Funny: 1 | Newsworthy 1

Biden's revocation of Trump's clearance was also unprecedented.

#3 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-01-25 09:53 PM | Reply

The------------- is a Russian asset.

#4 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-01-25 09:54 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Biden's revocation of Trump's clearance was also unprecedented.

#3 | POSTED BY VISITOR_ AT 2025-01-25 09:53 PM | FLAG:

------- tried to overthrow the government and was selling secrets to Russia

#5 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-01-25 09:57 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 4

Biden's revocation of Trump's clearance was also unprecedented.

Posted by visitor_ at 2025-01-25 09:53 PM | Reply

That's because we've never had a president of the US try to overthrow the Constitution and the rule of law before like Trump tried to do.

#6 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-01-25 09:58 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 4

These 51 lied and interfered in a election.

#7 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-01-25 10:11 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

@#3 ... Biden's revocation of Trump's clearance ...

Got a link?

#8 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-25 10:12 PM | Reply

@#7 ... These 51 lied and interfered in a election. ...

How so?

#9 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-25 10:13 PM | Reply

@#3 ...Biden's revocation of Trump's clearance was also unprecedented. ...

I found this ...

Biden Bars Trump From Receiving Intelligence Briefings, Citing Erratic Behavior' (2021)
www.nytimes.com

... President Biden said on Friday that he would bar his predecessor, Donald J. Trump, from receiving intelligence briefings traditionally given to former presidents, saying that Mr. Trump could not be trusted because of his "erratic behavior" even before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

The move was the first time that a former president had been cut out of the briefings, which are provided partly as a courtesy and partly for the moments when a sitting president reaches out for advice. Currently, the briefings are offered on a regular basis to Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Mr. Biden, speaking to Norah O'Donnell of CBS News, said Mr. Trump's behavior worried him "unrelated to the insurrection" that gave rise to the second impeachment of Mr. Trump. ...

And that looks to be quite justified to me.

But that is not what your alias stated.

So, I ask again, what yer got?

#10 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-25 10:18 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 4

Biden did not allow Trump to retain his security clearance after leaving office.

#11 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-01-25 10:32 PM | Reply | Funny: 2

@#11 ... Biden did not allow Trump to retain his security clearance after leaving office. ...

Got a link? (I ask once again)

I did find this ...

Biden not getting intelligence reports because Trump officials won't recognize him as president-elect (November 2020)
www.nbcnews.com

... The Trump administration's unwillingness to acknowledge that former Vice President Joe Biden won the election has led to an unusual restriction on the flow of national security information to the president-elect. ...

#12 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-25 10:59 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

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Their son is keeping the restaurant alive, but I have not been able to visit it since that disaster.

#13 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-26 12:47 AM | Reply

" 7 ... These 51 lied and interfered in a election. ...

How so?

#9 | POSTED BY LAMPLIGHTER AT 2025-01-25 10:13 PM | FLAG: "

The memo they produced and released to the media that was a total lie. But you already know this.

#14 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 05:13 AM | Reply

"The memo they produced and released to the media that was a total lie."

The statement was the laptop had all the hallmarks of a Russian election interference scheme.

Based on provenance, that's 100% true.

The chain-of-control isn't an issue for you, simply because of the letter after the owner's name.

#15 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-01-26 10:03 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

When CNN and others misstated what their letter actually said, did any of the 51 attempt to correct them? The letter's intent was to mislead.

#16 | Posted by visitor_ at 2025-01-26 11:08 AM | Reply

Now let's compare this list with the signed list claiming Hunter's laptop was "Russian Disinformation." I'd bet they're nearly identical.

#17 | Posted by Bluewaffles at 2025-01-26 11:37 AM | Reply

Also Lamp, it's been a hot minute since I've seen you slapped around like a rag doll for comments you know better than to make.

#18 | Posted by Bluewaffles at 2025-01-26 11:49 AM | Reply

The letter's intent was to mislead.

#16 | POSTED BY VISITOR_

Mislead or inform?

I give this post 5 rotten eggs.

#19 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-01-26 01:44 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

" Based on provenance, that's 100% true.

No, it wasn't. Not even close. The FBI was already in possession of the laptop. They lied in order to interfere with the election. They abused their security clearances and have now had them rightly revoked.

#20 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 02:33 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"The FBI was already in possession of the laptop."

After it had been in Russian hands.

WHY ARE YOU LEAVING OUT THE IMPORTANT PART???

#21 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-01-26 03:04 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Lev Parnas remembers:
newrepublic.com

#22 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-01-26 03:07 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

WHY ARE YOU LEAVING OUT THE IMPORTANT PART??

Because BullBringer is a devoted Deplorable Trumping MAGAt, and he's sure Hunter Biden is guilty if something.

Republicans just need more time to cook it up.

#23 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-01-26 03:08 PM | Reply

Danforth,

I never head you pegged as a loony conspiracy theorist. Yet you are pricing me wrong. Sad!

#24 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 03:18 PM | Reply

I am horrible at typing on my phone.

#25 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 03:19 PM | Reply

I am horrible.

#25 | Posted by BellRinger a

Fixed that for you --------

#26 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-01-26 03:21 PM | Reply

BullBringer, who proudly claims Biden's presidency was "Obama's 3rd term", and who is sure the Bidens are guilty of something nefarious, cause Republicans said so. Calling anyone else a conspiracy theorist is ------- hilarious.

Go gain some self awareness. Stupid.

#27 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-01-26 03:21 PM | Reply

Why did FoxNews, OAN, Newsmax, the NY Post, WSJ, Washington Times all pass on the Hunter Biden laptop story?

They were in on it with CNN, Rachel Maddow, the FBI, NBC, CBS.

The FBI, mind you, under -------.

#28 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-01-26 03:24 PM | Reply

Any time the words 'Trump' and 'unprecedented' appear in the same headline, chug a gallon of vodka.

#29 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-01-26 03:36 PM | Reply

So Russian of you.

#30 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-01-26 03:37 PM | Reply

"Any time the words 'Trump' and 'unprecedented' appear in the same headline, chug a gallon of vodka.

#29 | POSTED BY SENTINEL AT 2025-01-26 03:36 PM | REPLY"

Classic!

#31 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 03:44 PM | Reply

#28 Already been covered. NYT and WaPo eventually acknowledged its authenticity.

#32 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 03:47 PM | Reply

"So Russian of you.

#30 | POSTED BY CLOWNSHACK AT 2025-01-26 03:37 PM | FLAG: "

Sentinel drinks potato vodka made in Poland. Nothing Russian about that.

#33 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 03:48 PM | Reply

"Fixed that for you --------

#26 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS"

You did an excellent job.

#34 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 03:49 PM | Reply

"I never head you pegged as a loony conspiracy theorist."

Who had control over the laptop?

Be specific.

#35 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-01-26 04:11 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

The statement was the laptop had all the hallmarks of a Russian election interference scheme.
- Danforth

This one always struck me as interesting.

What is a "all the hallmarks" of Russian election interference?
Distinguish from any other countries interference, as it must right?

Mislead or inform?
#19 | Posted by donnerboy

Given it originated and was in collusion with Blinken the Biden campaign senior adviser, I suspect it was to mislead.

#36 | Posted by oneironaut at 2025-01-26 04:30 PM | Reply

Once proven publicly to be liars it was imperative to deny these individuals further access to classified materials.

#37 | Posted by MSgt at 2025-01-26 06:14 PM | Reply

The left, here and elsewhere, are just BooHooHooing because they worked for the dem party disseminating false information.

#38 | Posted by MSgt at 2025-01-26 06:16 PM | Reply

- disseminating false information.

aka telling the truth about Trump.

#39 | Posted by Corky at 2025-01-26 06:21 PM | Reply

#39 | POSTED BY CORKY AT 2025-01-26 06:21 PM | FLAG: Guess you are unaware of the subject so let me enlighten you:

Without even seeing and studying Hunter's laptop, to protect biden, they signed letter claiming it was Russian misinformation. Not only were they wrong, they purposely lied about it to the US public and the world. Proven liars must never have access to classified and I know as have handled classified during my 21 years of service.

As for unprecedented, now he has established a precedent : )

#40 | Posted by MSgt at 2025-01-26 06:47 PM | Reply

You must be outraged about Jarad's Saudi billions and the other millions from countries he represented America in. And all the Russian, Chinese, and Saudi money in the Trump Media startup, right?

Or perhaps your outrage is just partisan.

#41 | Posted by Corky at 2025-01-26 07:44 PM | Reply

I had a security clearance. When I left the employ of the Federal Govt, I didn't get to take it with me. I'm not sure why anyone expects to. My Brother in Law has made a good living with his security clearance since he left, working in the private sector on Govt contracts, however, he has been required to reapply and recertify through the company he works for to maintain his clearance, with limitations related to the beneficial work he is performing.

I don't claim to understand how that process works, as I left mine behind, but the expectation that a security clearance somehow belongs to you is bullshit.

#42 | Posted by Miranda7 at 2025-01-26 08:13 PM | Reply

"Without even seeing and studying Hunter's laptop, to protect biden, they signed letter claiming it was Russian misinformation."

No they didn't. That was a mischaracterization of the letter by a Politico headline. This was not a partisan thing. The officials served in four different administrations, including Trump's.

Seriously, I'm starting to lose respect for those who are accusing these public servants of 'election interference' for making an honest assessment of a thing that very possibly was actual election interference.

#43 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-01-26 08:26 PM | Reply

"When I left the employ of the Federal Govt, I didn't get to take it with me. I'm not sure why anyone expects to."

I would infer that these people are still working for the federal government, either directly or indirectly.

#44 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-01-26 08:30 PM | Reply

Sentinel,

It was obvious deception with the intent of influencing the election. They were trying to influence the public and a compliant media to kill the story. They knowingly lied. The laptop is authentic and they lied anyway. That is what happened. They had no reason to draft their memo other than to try and influence the election. It's clear as day and these people absolutely deserve to have their clearance pulled.

#45 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 08:55 PM | Reply

"They knowingly lied. The laptop is authentic and they lied anyway."

No one disputed that the laptop was authentic. The information that was supposedly copied from it and leaked to the press by Guiliani? That was dodgy AF. And I said before I'd say the same thing if it has Don Jr.'s laptop under similar circumstances, For some reason you're choosing to be hyper partisan on this.

#46 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-01-26 09:16 PM | Reply

Posted by sentinel at 2025-01-26 09:16 PM | Reply

WOW I AGREE with you on something. Dayum.

#47 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-01-26 09:19 PM | Reply

" No one disputed that the laptop was authentic"

Bullshit.

It was an all out blackout. Election interference.

WaPo and NYT eventually acknowledged it long after the election.

These people engaged in election interference. They knew what they were doing and I'm glad they got their clearance pulled. It was not a Russia disinformation campaign.

#48 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 09:22 PM | Reply

If it had been Don Jr.'s laptop and some sleazy Democrat like Jim Carville or whoever was leaking stuff to the press that no one could verify what percent of it was on the original laptop, I'm sure you'd have no problem seeing how problematic that was.

We'd both be arguing with the left wing partisans defending it, if that were the case.

#49 | Posted by sentinel at 2025-01-26 09:49 PM | Reply

It's all proven to be true. I expect the media to run interference. It's what they do. These people flat out lied and did so to interfere in the election. They knew what they were doing and it's gross of you to defend them.

#50 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 10:03 PM | Reply

When I left the employ of the Federal Govt, I didn't get to take it with me.

Me neither. Though I never understood why the Army gave me one. I actively worked against it. Probably because it was really low level "special weapons" guard NCOIC.

I'm not sure why anyone expects to.

These folks are high level. Some have expertise that is valuable to successors and colleges.

#51 | Posted by et_al at 2025-01-26 10:05 PM | Reply

Why did FoxNews, OAN, Newsmax, the NY Post, WSJ, Washington Times all pass on the Hunter Biden laptop story?

They were in on it with CNN, Rachel Maddow, the FBI, NBC, CBS.

The FBI, mind you, under Shitler

The conspiracy theory is all of the above colluded to keep the HB laptop story out of the news in 10/2020

No one ever explains why the above would participate in such a thing

Oh well a few hundred million dollar investigation will get to the bottom of it

#52 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-01-26 10:15 PM | Reply

Great point TruthHurts. A very great point indeed

#53 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-01-26 10:35 PM | Reply

They deliberately lied. They knew what they were doing. It was election interference.

Brennan and Clapper also lied to congress. Under oath. A felony.

Both should be facing prosecution for perjury.

The Biden Crime Family is done. I don't even care any more. Their grift is over.

Pulling the security clearance of these 51 individuals was absolutely the right thing to do. This whole thing is now over.

#54 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 10:38 PM | Reply

Why did FoxNews, OAN, Newsmax, the NY Post, WSJ, Washington Times all pass on the Hunter Biden laptop story?

Because they thought it was bullshit.

#55 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-01-26 10:52 PM | Reply

It wasn't bullshit. It was accurate.

#56 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-01-26 10:54 PM | Reply

Because they thought it was bullshit.

Posted by REDIAL at 2025-01-26 10:52 PM | Reply

Exactly right.

#57 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-01-26 11:01 PM | Reply