White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced Wednesday afternoon that President Trump has revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan.
“As the head of the executive branch and commander-in-chief, I have a unique constitutional responsibility to protect the nation's classified information. Including by controlling access to it. Today in fulfilling that responsibility, I've decided to revoke the security clearance of John Brennan, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency,” Sanders said, reading a statement from President Trump. "At this point in my administration any benefits that senior officials might glean from consultations with Mr. Brennan are now outweighed by the risks posed by his erratic conduct and behavior."
“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 regarding matters about which they may have special insights and as a professional courtesy,” Sanders continued. “Neither of these justifications supports Mr. Brennan’s continued access to classified information...any access granted to our nation’s secrets should be in furtherance of national not personal interest.”
.@POTUS revokes security clearance for former CIA director John Brennan https://t.co/QZrKVuD4LY pic.twitter.com/847QEo2pW5
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 15, 2018
In July, Brennan accused President Trump of treason.
Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of “high crimes & misdemeanors.” It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) July 16, 2018
Sanders also said the clearances of other officials, including fired FBI director James Comey, current DOJ official Bruce Ohr, former DIA director James Clapper and others are under consideration for revocation. If clearances have already been suspended after individuals left government positions, they may be barred from obtaining reinstated security clearances in the future.
This story has been updated.