Gabbard Revokes Security Clearances of 37 Intelligence Officials Amid Controversy

Thu Oct 23 2025 17:17:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tulsi Gabbard's recent decision to revoke the security clearances of numerous US intelligence officials has ignited political tensions and accusations of partisanship.

In a notable move authorized by President Trump, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has stripped 37 current and former intelligence officials of their security clearances, citing allegations of politicization and misconduct. Critics argue this is a political distraction amidst ongoing investigations into Trump's administration.

Tulsi Gabbard's recent memo to national security agency heads has triggered significant political repercussions after she ordered the revocation of security clearances for 37 current and former US intelligence officials. The decision, allegedly backed by President Donald Trump, accuses these individuals of abusing their positions for partisan purposes, manipulating intelligence, and leaking classified information without authorization.

Among those affected are staffers who served under previous Democratic presidents, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, stated in her memo that being granted a security clearance is a privilege that must be respected, emphasizing that those who violate the trust inherent in their roles have broken their oath to the Constitution.

The lack of specific accusations against the individuals in question has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out that the absence of clear evidence weakens the validity of this decision. It remains uncertain whether all 37 officials still maintain active clearances, as some former officials retain these for roles in advising successors or in the private sector, particularly within defense and aerospace sectors.

This action is not unprecedented. The Trump administration previously revoked the clearances of several public figures, including Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and lawmakers associated with the investigations into the Capitol riot on January 6.

In previous comments, Gabbard has notably criticized former intelligence officials who confirmed Russian interference in the 2016 elections, framing these assessments as part of a "treasonous conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing Trump's victory. Democrats, however, have countered that Gabbard's allegations are inconsequential distractions from pressing issues within the administration and accusations concerning Trump's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A spokesperson for Obama has denounced the claims as absurd and a feeble attempt at distraction, reflecting the growing divisiveness of the political landscape surrounding this action.