Trump suggests he revoked former CIA chief's security clearance because of the Russia investigation
When the White House announced Wednesday that President Trump had revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan, the stated rationale was Brennan's purported "erratic conduct and behavior" and "unfounded and outrageous allegations — wild outbursts on the internet and television — about this administration."
Since Trump said he was also considering revoking the security clearances of nine other high-ranking intelligence and law enforcement officials, all of whom have publicly criticized him, most people assumed this was an unprecedented and autocratic-style act of retribution and a warning to other critics in the intelligence and law enforcement communities. Trump suggested to The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that in fact he was targeting officials specifically involved in the investigation of his campaign and Russia now being overseen by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Brennan presented evidence to Trump right before his inauguration about Russia interfering in the 2016 election, and Trump once again called into question the legitimacy the investigation upon which that intelligence assessment was based. "You know, in theory I'm not under investigation ... I'm not a target. But regardless, I think that whole — I call it the rigged witch hunt — is a sham." Trump told the Journal. "And these people led it!" he added. "So I think it's something that had to be done."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trump's statement, briefly dated July 26, "made no suggestion Mr. Brennan gave away classified information or revealed national secrets, a common reason for revoking security clearances," the Journal noted. Trump made his list of targets sound personal. "I don't trust many of those people on that list," he told the Journal. "I think that they're very duplicitous. I think they're not good people." The feeling is probably mutual.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
'Make legal immigration a more plausible option'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
LA-to-Las Vegas high-speed rail line breaks ground
Speed Read The railway will be ready as soon as 2028
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel's military intelligence chief resigns
Speed Read Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva is the first leader to quit for failing to prevent the Hamas attack in October
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Peter Murrell: Sturgeon's husband charged over SNP 'embezzlement' claims
Speed Read SNP expresses 'shock' as former chief executive rearrested in long-running investigation into claims of mishandled campaign funds
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published