Trump Revokes Bolton And Others' Clearances Over Security Concerns
A dramatic new executive order from former President Donald Trump's first day back in office takes aim at his one-time national security adviser.
According to Breitbart News, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday evening revoking John Bolton's security clearance, citing the publication of sensitive information in Bolton's tell-all memoir about his time in the Trump administration.
The executive order targets both Bolton and 51 former intelligence officials who had previously signed a letter suggesting the Hunter Biden laptop story was Russian disinformation. Trump's administration has characterized Bolton's 2020 memoir "The Room Where it Happened" as containing classified material that posed risks to national security and undermined presidential confidentiality.
Trump Administration Takes Swift Action Against Former Officials
The newly signed executive order explicitly addresses what Trump views as violations of public trust. Multiple senior officials have praised the move as necessary accountability for those who allegedly mishandled sensitive information. The order's scope extends beyond just Bolton, encompassing dozens of former intelligence community members.
Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn has expressed strong support for the executive order's implementation. His endorsement carries particular weight given his own experience as Trump's first national security adviser.
Trump's decision appears strategically timed, coming on his first day back in office and signaling an immediate focus on addressing what he perceives as past betrayals within his administration. The move demonstrates Trump's continued commitment to his campaign promises regarding government accountability.
Security Clearance Revocation Stems From Published Memoir
According to the executive order, Trump specifically cited Bolton's publication of his memoir as the primary justification for revoking his security clearance. The order's language was explicit in its criticism.
Bolton stated:
National security is also damaged by the publication of classified information. Former National Security Advisor John R. Bolton published a memoir for monetary gain after he was terminated from his White House position in 2019. The book was rife with sensitive information drawn from his time in government. The memoir's reckless treatment of sensitive information undermined the ability of future presidents to request and obtain candid advice on matters of national security from their staff. Publication also created a grave risk that classified material was publicly exposed.
The implications of this security clearance revocation extend beyond just Bolton's immediate future. This action sets a precedent for how future administrations might handle former officials who publish potentially sensitive information about their time in government service.
Former Intelligence Officials Face Similar Consequences
The executive order's reach extends to dozens of former intelligence officials who signed a letter regarding the Hunter Biden laptop story. These officials now face the same security clearance revocation as Bolton, marking a significant shift in how such clearances are handled post-service.
Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn expressed his strong support for the executive order, stating:
Exceptional executive order…the 51 signers of the fake Russian collusion bullshit Hunter Biden letter AND former NSA John Bolton (for leaking inappropriately classified material) will all lose their clearances and hopefully their livelihoods. They lied to the American people causing untold mayhem for the United States of America. Losing their clearances should only be the beginning of their punishment.
This collective action against multiple former officials represents one of the most sweeping security clearance revocations in recent memory. The move affects individuals across various intelligence agencies and administrative positions.
Presidential Powers Reshape Security Access Framework
President Donald Trump, in his first full day back in office, has initiated a series of executive actions signaling a significant shift in how security clearances are managed. His administration's approach represents a departure from traditional handling of former officials' security privileges.
The executive order reflects Trump's broader agenda of restructuring government accountability measures. This action sets new precedents for how future administrations might handle similar situations involving former officials and sensitive information.
The implications of this order extend beyond individual cases, potentially reshaping the relationship between government service and post-service activities. These changes could influence how future officials approach their roles and subsequent career choices.
Executive Order Charts New Course For Administration
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton, previously a key figure in Trump's administration, faces significant professional consequences following President Trump's executive action revoking his security clearance.
The order, signed during Trump's first day back in office, targets Bolton's publication of sensitive information in his memoir.
The sweeping measure affects not only Bolton but also dozens of former intelligence officials, marking a decisive shift in how the administration handles security clearances for former government officials. This action sets a precedent for future handling of similar cases involving the publication of potentially sensitive information by former administration officials.