Ex-CIA boss shut out
‘Despot’ Trump pulls security clearance for ‘erratic’ Brennan
US President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearance of former Central Intelligence Agency director John Brennan, the White House said, denying the frequent critic of the President any access to sensitive information.
“Historically former heads of intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been allowed to retain access to classified information after their government service so that they can consult with their successors,” press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, reading a statement from Mr Trump.
“At this point in my administration, any benefits that senior officials might glean from consultations with Mr Brennan are now outweighed by the risk posed by his erratic conduct and behaviour.”
Ms Sanders accused Mr Brennan of “lying” and “wild outbursts”. She said Mr Brennan had “leveraged his status” to make unfounded allegations.
Mr Brennan fired back, attacking moves to isolate Mr Trump’s opponents as an attempt to suppress freedom of speech.
“It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent,” he said.
Mr Brennan told MSNBC that revoking his security clearance was “an abuse of power”.
“I’ve seen this kind of behaviour and actions on the part of foreign tyrants and despots and autocrats during many, many years during my CIA and national security career,” he said.
I never ever thought I’d see it here in the United
States.”
Following the President’s summit last month with Vladimir Putin, Mr Brennan, who headed the CIA under Barack Obama, described Mr Trump’s behaviour as “nothing short of treasonous”.
Mr Trump said he was also considering revoking security clearances for James Clapper, James Comey, Michael Hayden and Sally Yates.