In a sweeping move that signals a clean break from the swamp-era antics of the intelligence world, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has stripped security clearances from more than three dozen current and former intelligence officials. The decision, carried out at President Trump’s direction, comes with a blunt message: no more abusing America’s trust under the guise of “national security.”
Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right. Those in the Intelligence Community who betray their oath to the Constitution and put their own interests ahead of the interests of the American people have broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold. In… pic.twitter.com/23DUNuVAi0
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) August 19, 2025
Gabbard explained it in no uncertain terms:
“These individuals have betrayed their Constitutional oaths and put their personal interests above those of the nation. In doing so, they undermine our national security, the safety and security of the American people, and the foundational principles of our democratic republic.”
That statement alone would be enough to send shockwaves through the beltway. But the details make it even clearer: 37 officials — some still inside the system, many now in cushy analyst chairs at networks like CNN — are out. Gone are the clearances that once let them wield influence and leak “anonymous intelligence” to shape narratives. Gone, too, are the lucrative consulting gigs and media credibility that rely on those clearances.
Among the most notable names on the list is Beth Sanner, a CNN national security analyst. Just last month, she mocked concerns about the Russian Collusion Hoax, saying that even talking about it was “helping Russia.” Now, without her clearance, she’s not just out of the classified loop — she’s out of credibility.
CNN “National Security Analyst” Beth Sanner on the list.
About time. This malicious clown uses her CNN platform to launch legacy media propaganda narratives — like accusing the Trump admin of by aiding Russia by disclosing Russia Hoax intel docs:pic.twitter.com/Uac1Sac7Fu
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) August 19, 2025
Critics of the intelligence establishment have long asked the same question: why do former officials get to keep their clearances after leaving office? The standard answer has always been that they might be called in to consult. The real-world result, however, has often looked like a self-perpetuating club — where leaking, politicizing, and media grandstanding take priority over safeguarding the country.
That club just got a massive shake-up.
“Trump is doing the work of our adversary Russia by exposing plot against him by American Deep State operatives using cooked up intel”
– Beth Sanner, former security clearance holder
— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) August 19, 2025
For years, Trump and his supporters have argued that elements of the intelligence community were weaponized against him, politicized in their assessments, and comfortable bending tradecraft to fit a partisan agenda. Now, with Gabbard at the helm, there’s finally accountability.
And make no mistake: this doesn’t just sting reputationally. Many of these former officials’ private-sector paychecks are tied to their ability to flash those clearances. Without them, their market value plummets.
