Ex-intelligence chiefs rebuke Donald Trump for revoking former CIA head John Brennan’s security clearance
National security establishment condemns president for ‘attempt to stifle free speech’ of ex-CIA director John Brennan
In a remarkable rebuke to US President Donald Trump, 13 former US intelligence chiefs have signed a harshly worded letter in support of former CIA Director John Brennan after Trump abruptly revoked his security clearance on Wednesday.
“We feel compelled to respond in the wake of the ill-considered and unprecedented remarks and actions by the White House,” reads the letter from the officials, who served both Democratic and Republican presidents.
“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 that “we have never before seen the approval or removal of security clearances used as a political tool, as was done in this case.”
Signing the letter Thursday was a virtual who’s who of American spy chiefs dating back to the late 1980s, a striking show of solidarity from the top ranks of the national security establishment.