Ex-CIA directors condemn Trump
WASHINGTON — Former CIA directors and another half dozen of America's most senior spies have issued an unprecedented condemnation of President Donald Trump, after his decision to blacklist their colleague John Brennan.
In a statement, ex-CIA including Robert Gates, George bosses appointed by Republican Tenet, Porter Goss, Leon and Democratic presidents — Panetta and David Petraeus — denounced Trump's decision to strip Brennan of his security clearance.
Dozens of other former spies signaled their support for the statement.
"The president's action regarding John Brennan and the threats of similar action against other former officials has nothing to do with who should and should not hold security clearances — and everything to do with an attempt to stifle free speech," the statement read.
Describing Trump's move as "inappropriate and deeply regrettable," they insisted "we have never before seen the approval or removal of security clearances used as a political tool, as was done in this case."
Two of those who signed the statement — former director of national intelligence James Clapper and former CIA director Michael Hayden — are, according to Trump, on a list of people who could lose their clearance.
Former officials often retain security clearance after leaving office to allow their successors to consult them on issues of the day.
The White House said Brennan — a notable Trump critic — had been stripped of clearance due to his "erratic" behavior.
But in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump admitted his decision on Brennan's clearance was linked to the ongoing federal probe into possible collusion between his campaign and Russia to influence the 2016 election.