Security Clearances Revoked by DNI Director Gabbard
On Tuesday, Tulsi Gabbard, the National Intelligence (DNI) director, announced the revocation of security clearances for 37 individuals, both former and current intelligence professionals.
Gabbard remarked that certain individuals had “abused public trust” by manipulating information, particularly in relation to allegations of Russian influence in the 2016 elections. Reports indicate that these actions have raised significant concerns.
It is a privilege and not a right to entrust security clearance. Those who betray the oaths of the Constitution and put their own interests ahead of the interests of the American people have broken the sacred trust they have promised to support. in…
– dni tulsi gabbard (@dnigabbard) August 19, 2025
The memo issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) specifically called out the 37 individuals for various forms of misconduct, highlighting a failure to uphold proper practices and a disregard for the integrity expected in their roles. The memo states, “The President directed that the security clearance for these individuals would be revoked immediately.”
This action is intended to terminate their access to classified information and end any contracts or employment ties with the U.S. government. The memo also emphasizes that these individuals must surrender their qualifications to the appropriate security personnel.
Among those affected are prominent figures, including former Prime Ministers Stephanie O’Sullivan and Vinh Nguyen. These individuals had connections to inquiries about alleged Russian interference in the elections, which involved scrutiny of support for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton, according to prior intelligence reviews.
Several of those named had also been involved in the controversial ICA reports and references to previous statements that highlighted political positions against Trump.
Gabbard reiterated the seriousness of the revocation in a subsequent post, emphasizing that security clearance should not be taken for granted. She argued that those who prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the American public compromise national security.
In a related note, Samantha Vinograd, a former secretary involved in national security during the Biden administration, had previously revoked clearances as well.
breaking: Dni Tulsi Gabbard stripped of security clearance from 37 individuals tied to Russian conspiracy hoax.
– Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 19, 2025
Vinograd has a history with the Obama administration’s National Security Council and had publicly urged Trump to clarify his business interests during his 2016 campaign. Additionally, Andrew Miller, who served under Obama, is among those who also faced clearance revocation.
Other notable figures affected include Lauren DeJongge Schulman, a former adviser to Susan Rice, and Beth Sanner, who previously held an influential role at the National Intelligence Council.
