John Brennan, former CIA Director under the Obama Administration, has had his security clearance revoked. President Donald Trump making the claim, in a statement read by press secretary Sarah Sanders, that Brennan has used his social status “to make a series of unfounded and outrageous allegations,” and “wild outbursts on the internet and television about his administration.”
In the past, Brennan has gone to air speaking negatively about the work of the current administration. In an interview with MSNBC, Brennan made comment on the current administration’s choice to distrust national intelligence agencies and on Trump’s meetings with Russian leader, Vladimir Putin.
There is speculation that taking Brennan’s security clearance was an attempt to hinder free speech, in regards to his public disapproval of administrative action.
Brennan took to Twitter saying, “This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics.” Despite discussion, there is no evidence to prove this claim thus far.
The White House not only called out Brennan, but listed names to which are being evaluated for extended access to secure national information.
James Clapper, James Comey, Michael Hayden, Sally Yates, Susan Rice, Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page and Bruce Ohr, may all have their clearances revoked upon further review.
The question as to why no Republicans appear on the security clearance review list was asked twice, Sanders responding, “If we deemed it necessary, we would certainly look into that and be happy to review those.”
In the future we may see more names, Sanders assuring that if the list was to be updated it would be released.
Brennan, along with other people who appear on the presidents list, have stated they will not stop speaking out about their disapproval of the current administration.
James Clapper posted to his Twitter that Trump’s actions are an “Infringement of our right to speak and apparently the appropriateness of being critical of this president.”
Justice department official Bruce Ohr is also on the list. Questions as to whether Trump believes he should lose his job have been asked. Sanders has no response at the time but assured they are “looking into that specific matter.”
Watch the press briefing from August 15, where this story unfolded here.
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer