Revoked security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials

Founders' Principles Violated

W

Washington

Personal ambition overriding institutional stability.

A

Adams

Judicial independence and due process undermined.

M

Madison

Checks & balances bypassed. Executive action without Congressional authority.

Guardrails Violated

Due Process

Due process protections and procedural requirements bypassed.

Institutional Oversight

Independent oversight mechanisms and accountability structures undermined.

Transparency

Transparency requirements and public access to information restricted.

Trigger

Administration revoked security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials on August 19, 2025, citing alleged 'political weaponization of intelligence' and other violations, often without concrete evidence in many cases.

Action Taken

Revoked security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials on August 19, 2025, citing alleged 'political weaponization of intelligence' and other violations, often without concrete evidence in many cases. Critics argued the revocations were politically motivated retaliation against political opponents. The revocations raised concerns about independent advising within the security sector. Legal experts warned this undermined norms around security clearances and could affect national security.

In His Own Words

"These officials have weaponized intelligence against us."

"We will not tolerate political interference in intelligence."

"Security clearances are a privilege, not a right."

What's Wrong

Revocation of security clearances of current and former officials without concrete evidence raises questions about political motivation. Critics argued the revocations were politically motivated retaliation. The revocations undermined norms around security clearances and independent advising within the security sector.

Impact

Institutional: Undermines norms around security clearances and independent advising within the security sector. Legal: Questions about political motivation and due process. Operational: Revocations affected 37 officials, raising concerns about national security and independent advising.

Sources & Full Details

Primary Sources

Background

Administration revoked security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials on August 19, 2025, citing alleged 'political weaponization of intelligence' and other violations, often without concrete evidence. Critics argued the revocations were politically motivated retaliation. The revocations raised concerns about independent advising within the security sector.

Why Level 3?

Multiple guardrails bypassed: due process, institutional oversight, transparency. Revocations without concrete evidence raise questions about political motivation. Measurable harm to norms around security clearances and independent advising.