Revoking security clearances kicks off retribution presidency

President Trump stands with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (left) and National Security Advisor John Bolton (right) at the NATO summit in Brussels in 2018. [Photo by DPA Picture Alliance]

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Jan. 20 to revoke the security clearances of 50 former intelligence officials. This group encompassed prominent figures such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and former CIA Directors John Brennan and Leon Panetta. The action targeted individuals who had signed a 2020 letter suggesting that the controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s laptop bore the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation operation. The administration justified this move by asserting that these officials had “willfully weaponized the gravitas of the Intelligence Community to manipulate the political process and undermine our democratic institutions.”

Targeting of Law Firm Involved in Prior Investigations

In February, Trump directed attention toward Covington & Burling, a law firm that had provided legal services to special counsel Jack Smith during investigations of Trump. A presidential memorandum suspended the security clearances of lawyers and personnel associated with the firm’s representation of Smith. Additionally, the administration sought to terminate any federal contracts with Covington & Burling, although records indicated the absence of such contracts. This action was part of a broader effort to address what the administration perceived as adversarial legal maneuvers.

Revocation of Perkins Coie’s Security Clearances

On March 6, Trump signed an executive order to suspend the security clearances of employees at Perkins Coie, a law firm known for its association with the Democratic Party and its involvement in commissioning the Steele dossier during the 2016 election. The order not only revoked security clearances, but also terminated any federal contracts with the firm and mandated a review of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The administration accused Perkins Coie of using federal resources against a political opponent, prompting this comprehensive action.

Revocation of Security Clearances From Additional Officials

In February, the administration announced the revocation of security clearances for several other officials, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, New York Attorney General Letitia James and former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Trump cited a lack of respect for these individuals and suggested they had come close to legal violations. The affected officials and their representatives dismissed the impact of these revocations on their professional duties, while observers debated the motivations behind these actions.

These measures reflect a pattern in Trump’s second term of revoking security clearances from individuals and entities he perceives as adversaries or as having acted against his personal or political interests. The administration has framed these actions as necessary for safeguarding national security and addressing alleged misconduct, while critics argue they represent politically motivated retribution.