BREAKING NEWS: White House Revokes John Brennan's Security Clearance

By Susie Madrak — August 15, 2018

In an obvious move to dampen media attention to Trump's racism, Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today that Trump was revoking former CIA director's John Brennan's security clearance. Via Talking Points Memo:

Sanders then listed a group of former officials with security clearance—all who happen to be political opponents of the President’s—whose current status is now under review.

That list includes former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former FBI Director James Comey, former CIA Director Michael Hayden, former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, former deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, former FBI Agent Peter Strzok, former FBI lawyer Lisa Page and former Associate Deputy Attorney General Bruce Ohr.

Sanders first threatened the security clearance of Brennan and some of the “under review” list in late July, accusing them of making “baseless charges” with “zero evidence.”

Donald Trump's list of accusations about John Brennan today:
- "Erratic conduct and behaviour"
- "Frenzied commentary"
- "Wild outbursts on the internet and television"
- Monetizing his official position
- Told lies

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 15, 2018

White House says President Trump is also reviewing the security clearances of other former US national security officials, including vocal Trump critics such as former James Clapper, Jim Comey, Michael Hayden, Sally Yates, Susan Rice and Andrew McCabe.

— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 15, 2018

Sanders announces that Trump is revoking former CIA director John Brennan's security clearance. Brennan is a critic of his.

Sanders says Brennan has exhibited "erratic conduct and behaviour."

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 15, 2018

Asked if people who criticize Trump on TV are at greater risk of losing their clearances than people who stay silent, Sanders just says the decision is made on a "case-by-case basis."

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 15, 2018

.@jimsciutto reports @ODNIgov director Coats was NOT consulted before WH decision/announcement to revoke security clearance of @JohnBrennan

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) August 15, 2018

On @TheLastWord just last night, John Brennan said that Trump was 'dangerous to our nation.' https://t.co/EHjwEVQr0o

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) August 15, 2018

This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics. It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent. https://t.co/TNzOxhP9ux

— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) August 15, 2018

And finally, this:

The White House passes along a copy of the Brennan statement from the president that @PressSec read today. Note the date: July 26th. Wait a second, it's almost as though they were holding it in case something else broke ... nah. pic.twitter.com/VdOy8szWo5

— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) August 15, 2018

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