The announcement, published in a memo from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said those affected were accused of leaking classified information and “weaponizing intelligence.” Critics argue that no evidence was presented to substantiate the claims.
Several of the officials targeted had served under the Obama and Biden administrations and were involved in the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Among the names released were high-profile figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
National security attorney Mark Zaid warned that publishing names concerning clearance status could violate the Privacy Act, which protects such information. Democrats and intelligence veterans criticized the action as a political purge that could damage the credibility of the intelligence community.
Gabbard defended the move, arguing that security clearances are “a privilege, not a right” and that those who lost theirs breached public trust. The administration has also indicated plans to declassify documents related to the Russia assessment and expand inquiries into officials involved.
