Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US edition

https://vidostream.com

Trump ends ex-CIA head John Brennan's security access

Donald Trump has revoked the security clearance of ex-CIA chief John Brennan, denying the US president's critic of any access to sensitive information.
REUTERS / John Brennan stepped down as CIA director in January 2017

REUTERS / John Brennan stepped down as CIA director in January 2017

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced the decision by reading a statement from Mr Trump.

The statement cited Mr Brennan's "erratic conduct and behaviour".

Mr Brennan said Mr Trump's performance at a briefing after July's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin had been "nothing short of treasonous".

Last year, Mr Brennan said an investigation into possible collusion between Trump campaign officials and Russia during the US presidential elections in 2016 had been "well-founded".

President Trump has repeatedly denied the claim, calling it "witch hunt".

And only on Wednesday, Mr Brennan attacked the president on Twitter.

What did Trump's statement say exactly?

"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.

"I have decided to revoke the security clearance of John Brennan, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

US President Donald Trump. Photo: 13 August 2018
GETTY IMAGES
President Trump is reviewing access to classified information for several other former high-ranking US officials
 

"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.

"Neither of these justifications supports Mr Brennan's continued access to classified information."

The statement added that Mr Trump was also reviewing access to classified information for former FBI chief James Comey, whom he fired last year, former director of national intelligence James Clapper, former National Security Agency director Michael Hayden and former attorney general Sally Yates, among others.

What have they said?

James Comey called the president "morally unfit" to lead. His memoir, A Higher Loyalty, likened Mr Trump to a mob boss.

James Clappersaid the Watergate scandal "pales in comparison" to the Russia collusion inquiry dogging the Trump presidency.

In a naked jab at the Trump administration, Michael Hayden tweeted a photo in June of a Nazi death camp with the caption: "Other governments have separated mothers and children."

Concerted effort to change the subject

Analysis by BBC's North America editor Jon Sopel

John Brennan has been an outspoken critic of the president.

He called Donald Trump treasonous over his meeting with the Russian leader in Helsinki; he's called him imbecilic; and a danger to the US.

Now Donald Trump has had his revenge, revoking the former CIA chief's security clearance - and threatening a number of other national intelligence officials - all of whom have one thing in common: they've also been critical of the president.

But in justifying this move there's been no suggestion that Mr Brennan either leaked classified material or sought to make money from it.

Instead the White House statement spoke of Mr Brennan's "erratic behaviour", "wild outbursts" and "frenzied commentary".

The decision by the president was apparently taken without consulting his director of national intelligence, Dan Coats.

And the move has brought criticism.

Former Secretary of State John Kerry said the president was behaving like the ruler of a banana republic. Others have said Mr Trump is trying to shut up critics.

The timing is also noteworthy. The White House has been buffeted for days by claims from a disaffected former adviser to the president.

Closing arguments in the trial of Donald Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, are also being heard.

The White House briefing where this was announced hadn't been scheduled. It looks like a concerted effort to change the subject.

Source: BBC News:

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second