Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former U.S. intelligence officials, citing abuse of authority and deception tied to the discredited 2016 Russia collusion narrative. Acting under the direction of President Donald Trump, Gabbard stated these individuals betrayed the public trust and manipulated intelligence for political purposes.
This marks one of the most sweeping accountability actions ever taken against members of the intelligence community.
The officials targeted include figures connected to the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, which alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election was intended to benefit President Trump. Among those named are Stephanie O’Sullivan, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Vinh Nguyen, a CIA analyst involved in drafting the report. The Trump administration has long maintained that the report was politicized and that its conclusions were used to justify years of unfounded investigations.
Gabbard’s office issued a statement asserting that holding a security clearance is a privilege, not a right, and that individuals who use access to sensitive information to promote political agendas have forfeited that privilege. The decision applies to both officials currently serving in government and those in retirement who retain access to classified briefings.
Critics of the intelligence community have pointed to the lack of accountability over the original Russia investigation, the now-debunked Steele dossier, and repeated unauthorized leaks to the media. The revocation of clearances is seen by many as a long-overdue step toward restoring integrity within the national security apparatus.
Opponents, including former intelligence officials and members of the Biden administration, claim the move is politically motivated. However, supporters argue the decision is a necessary corrective to years of weaponized intelligence operations against a sitting president.
This action comes amid a broader reform initiative spearheaded by President Trump to reorient intelligence priorities away from political activism and toward national interest. Gabbard has pledged further reviews of personnel and procedures to ensure adherence to constitutional responsibilities.
