'Retribution': Critics slam Trump admin’s decision to revoke security clearance of intelligence officials
AlterNet3 days
Trump Revokes Security Clearances of 37 Intelligence Officials
Above: Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, addressed a news conference at the White House's James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on July 23, 2025. Image copyright: Eric Lee/Contributor/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
These intelligence officials betrayed their oath by weaponizing classified information for partisan political purposes instead of serving national security interests. Holding a security clearance is a privilege that requires unwavering commitment to constitutional principles, not personal agendas that undermine America's safety.
Democratic narrative
This represents pure politicization of the security clearance process, targeting dedicated public servants who worked across multiple administrations without providing evidence of wrongdoing. The administration is weaponizing government power against perceived enemies while hypocritically claiming to end politicization.