Tulsi Gabbard Revokes 37 Security Clearances Sparking Trump Aides' Frustration

Tulsi Gabbard, serving as Director of National Intelligence under President Trump, sparked significant internal conflict within the administration after revoking the security clearances of 37 officials without prior consultation with the White House. The move blindsided senior aides and prevented them from vetting the list, which included senior CIA officials and Democratic congressional staffers, raising concerns about potential legal violations and separation-of-powers disputes. Gabbard publicly justified the action by accusing those stripped of clearance of betraying their oath and politicizing intelligence, although no evidence was provided to support these claims. The decision caused frustration among Trump’s advisers, who viewed it as a major misstep, especially given the president's existing skepticism towards the intelligence community. While Gabbard claimed the president ordered the revocations, no formal documentation was found, deepening tensions with key intelligence officials and the CIA. The episode has left Gabbard isolated within the administration and has intensified debates over the future of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.